The St. Thomas’ Air Force Detachment 410 honored soldiers who have and continue to risk their lives for freedom in the 26th annual Veterans Day vigil Saturday.

Each year, ROTC students march around the flagpole on North Campus for 24 hours, honoring those who have served the country. Maj. Gregory Voth, the Commandant of Cadets, said this annual tradition has been consistent throughout the years.

“There are slight variations every year, but the core element is on the slow marching past the flagpole,” Voth said.

St. Thomas ROTC students raised the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag alongside the American flag. Other ROTC students stood in line, watching and reflecting on the flags.

Senior Kasey Buchmiller said the ceremony made her think about what soldiers have given up.

“I thought it was really moving,” Buchmiller said. “I think it’s incredible that our school and the Air Force detachment takes the time to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

Black Knight drill team was also part of the ceremony. The team strategically waved its rifles in honor of those who are either prisoners of war or missing in action. Voth gave a speech in honor of these dedicated soldiers.

“I also thought it was very well put together,” Buchmiller said. “The Black Knight drill team did an excellent job.”

Voth said he was proud of ROTC’s contributions to the ceremony.

“We did a lot of planning and preparation leading up to the execution and they performed it very well,” Voth said. “It was outstanding to watch them come together and pull it together.”

Voth also said he was more than content with the new ROTC recruits participating in the event this year.

“The new recruits are outstanding. Incredibly smart. They’re very motivated,” Voth said.

While ROTC does have other events throughout the school year, Voth said this is “probably the most symbolic event” the group participates in.

“We do a lot of other events, but again they’re not necessarily symbolic. We have a dining out, a big military ball, every spring, an award ceremony,” Voth said. “It’s (the other events) again, a different intent, a different purpose than what we do tonight.”

Buchmiller said she was glad St. Thomas offers such a meaningful Veterans Day ceremony.

“I am glad that the cadets march around the flagpole for the next 24 hours because it really helps make students aware of Veterans Day and how important it is to remember our military men and women,” Buchmiller said.

Kayla Bengtson can be reached at beng2004@stthomas.edu.