Ohio State Honors Veterans and Military at Annual "Rock Ceremony"

About 100 Ohio State ROTC cadets came together in front of Bricker Hall on Thursday morning during the annual Rock Ceremony, which honors Ohio State students and alumni who have served their country.

"It's a celebration of those who have served and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country and laid down their life in defense of our way of life and our freedoms," said Mike Carrell, assistant provost and director of the Office of Military and Veterans Services.

The event included the playing of "Taps," a 21-gun salute, the placing of a wreath on the donated rock and guest speaker, Karen Mendoza. Mendoza's husband, U.S. Marine Corps Major Ray Mendoza, passed away on November 14, 2005, while serving in Iraq. Mendoza House, formerly named Neilwood Gables, now bears his name in honor of his service. "I want this day to not only be about the people we have lost that paid the ultimate sacrifice, but about our future leaders and warriors who stand before us today," she said.

Watch a clip from the ceremony here.

If you would like to make an impact and support Army ROTC at Ohio State, contact Amber Diglaw at diglaw.1@osu.edu or at 614-292-9443