On May 22, the Army and Air Force ROTC programs at BYU hosted a memorial ceremony and presentation in honor of BYU’s fallen military service members.
Kenneth L. Alford, BYU Church history professor and retired Colonel, U.S. Army, spoke at the event saying we all have a part to play in remembering those who fought for our country.
"It’s important that we remember their sacrifice," Alford said. "Because they gave everything for us."
Every year, BYU's ROTC programs hold a ceremony, honoring fallen service members who attended BYU.
Their names are memorialized on the Memorial Wall of the Reflection Room in the Wilkinson Student Center.
Each service member's name was read by an ROTC cadet and after all the names were read, the attendees shared a moment of silence, honoring the service members.
"These are men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms (and) of our nation," Cadet Parker, an Air Force ROTC cadet, said.
Attendees listened intently as Professor Alford told stories of five BYU attendees who gave their lives during the War on Terror, detailing their powerful experiences with faith and mental fortitude.
There was a spirit of gratitude as cadets and attendees alike listened to stories about their sacrifices.
"I’m very grateful for the sacrifice that each of these men and women made," Cadet Parker said. "And that’s why we’re here. That’s why we choose to honor them."
Although the catered lunch was delicious, everyone’s spirits were full after coming together to remember and honor the men and women who have served our country.