Amidst the bustling campus Monday, the St. Thomas community stopped to observe ROTC cadets solemnly marching in 24-hour vigil in honor of Veterans Day.
According to Major Greg Voth, the vigil, which began at 5 p.m. Sunday, is meant to bring awareness to the sacrifices military members and veterans make, as well as honor prisoners of war and missing soldiers.
“I think our intentions leave a positive impression— just kind of stop and take a few seconds to think about our veterans and the people out there serving, and also the prisoners of war and people missing in action,” Voth said.
The 27th annual vigil has been a tradition for the university since 1987, its Air Force ROTC Detachment 410 and the campus chapter of Arnold Air Society, a national professional and service organization. It is sponsored by the St. Thomas-based Richard E. Fleming Squadron of the Arnold Air Society and St. Thomas’ Aerospace Studies Department.
This year’s vigil began with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. Sunday near the flagpole in the center of the Lower Quad. The ceremony included the raising of U.S. and POW-MIA flags, and performances by Detachment 410’s Cadet Choir and Black Knights Rifle Drill Team.
The observance, which began after the opening ceremony, consisted of ROTC cadets marching on the Lower Quad underneath the flag pole. Two cadets or staff members march for 15 minutes before the next shift replaces them. Voth said at least 90 people participate in the vigil.
“What we do and what the cadets are trained to do is maintain military bearing. It should be eyes are looking straight forward, maintaining a straight face, and carry on,” Voth said. “It can be pretty emotional while you’re out there marching, too, but you just try to carry on and maintain a straight face.”
Freshman Natalie Nelson said because her grandparents are veterans, the day means a lot to her.
“It’s really cool to see them out on the quad,” Nelson said about the cadets. “I think it has a lot of significance to everyone.”
Senior Jacob Carroll said he also personally knows ROTC cadets and other people who have served.
“They seem to really enjoy doing it, even though it is cold out and it’s a lot of work,” Carroll said. “It’s a pretty cool thing that they do.”
Voth also said veterans have approached the cadets to thank them for the recognition.
“It’s pretty powerful to have (veterans) come up and approach you and say thank you, when really we’re trying to thank them for what they’ve done in their careers and experiences with the military,” Voth said.
A closing ceremony was scheduled 5 p.m. Monday. The scheduled program includes a flag lowering. Lt. Col. Charles Musselman, professor of aerospace studies and commander of the ROTC detachment at St. Thomas, Dr. Susan Alexander, executive adviser to the president of St. Thomas, and ROTC cadet junior Shelby Cooper are all set to speak at the event.
Grace Pastoor, Baihly Warfield and Gabi Martinson contributed to this report.