St. Thomas U.S. Air Force ROTC students marched under the American flag in the Lower Quad on Friday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
ROTC students hold an annual 24-hour vigil every year to honor members of the U.S. armed forces. This year, on a cloudy day with a high of 30 degrees and wind gusts of up to 30 mph, was no different.
With the sidewalk under the flag barricaded, the students march back and forth in uniform through the day and night, switching off every 15 minutes.
Denise Linn, parent of one former and one current ROTC student, reflected on the importance of Veterans Day.
“It’s very important to stop and remember what Veterans Day really stands for,” Linn said. “It stands for all the veterans, especially. It’s going to focus on the ones who were lost and didn’t make it back.”
Linn also reflected on the importance of the vigil and other traditions to honor the holiday.
“I think it’s important to keep the tradition,” Linn said. “It’s not a great time and celebration, but it’s a solemn time. I think it’s good for me to recognize, and its good for everyone.”
Derek Badger can be reached at badg7629@stthomas.edu.