By Russell Page
While Americans around the world showed reverence in different ways to mark the six-month anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, BYU ROTC cadets showed their love for country by guarding the nation''s flag on campus.
Beginning at 7:30 a.m. March 11, two BYU ROTC officers stood at attention in front of the country''s flag in front of the Abraham Smoot Building.
Each half-hour, a new pair of cadets took a shift, continuing until 7:30 a.m. March 12.
Captain George Chapman of BYU Air Force ROTC, 23, a junior from Provo majoring in community health education, said the flag vigil is in remembrance not only of those who died on Sept. 11 but also for those who are being affected now.
'They are posting themselves at the flag and guarding it,' Chapman said. 'It''s a symbol of our patriotism and determination as a country.'
BYU ROTC Cadet Fourth Class Daniel Lund, 18, a freshman from Evans, Georgia who has not declared a major, spent his half hour of silence on Monday from 2:30 to 3 p.m.
'I was just thinking about September 11 and all the people that died there,' Lund said. 'Mostly, I was thinking about all of our servicemen over in Afghanistan.'
Lund said he was also thinking about the eight military servicemen who have died so far in the ''War on Terrorism.''
'A lot of them have families,' Lund said. 'I hope everyone appreciates what they are doing.'
Colonel Roger Maher, chair of BYU Aerospace studies said the cadets are proud of what they are doing.
'It''s not difficult to find volunteers to support a 24-hour vigil for the flag,' Maher said.
Maher said he could think of no better way for someone to think about their American heritage than to stand in uniform with a rifle at a vigil for the flag.
He said he wishes everyone could have the opportunity that the ROTC cadets have.
'They really are tied into the heart and soul of this country and the Constitution of the United States,' Maher said.
The national anthem will play 7:30 a.m. March 12 when the last two cadets retire from their shift guarding the flag.