ROTC members honor, remember veterans

The names of those who have graduated from MSU and died in battle are listed on the walls of the MSU Alumni Chapel, which became a gathering place for hundreds who honored veterans Thursday.

ROTC members and veterans were among those in attendance to remember those who served in the country’s armed forces, a day after Veteran’s Day.

Pre-nursing freshman Aabett Powell, an ROTC cadet, has family members who served in the military.

“I came here because my brother’s in the military, both of my grandfathers served in the military and a couple of my uncles served in the military as well,” she said.

Remembering former ROTC members who have died in war is important as the country celebrates Veterans Day, she said.

“Two cadets in previous years … were killed over at the war and we come here to thank them,” she said. “As it says up on top of the (chapel) door, we’re here to … relive their memories.”

Keegan Teitsma, a criminal justice junior and ROTC cadet, has a family member who is about to be deployed and said it is likely that many of those in attendance Thursday come from military families.

“It’s important to come out here to honor everyone who served and everything they’ve done for our country,” he said. “I have a brother who’s about to be deployed overseas.”

A ceremony was held at the Alumni Chapel where the sacrifices of those who served were reflected on by those in attendance.

Grant Quesnell, an Army veteran, spoke at the ceremony about the selflessness of those he served with.

He said the path chosen by members of the armed forces is a unique one.

“We have all chosen a different road than most,” he said.

ROTC cadet and kinesiology junior Robert Braden said the Veterans Day ceremonies at MSU have a special importance.

“It hits a little closer to home knowing that we specifically recognize some people who have served from this school … that have gone on to serve their country,” he said.

As he addressed a full chapel, Quesnell recognized the efforts of those who chose a road less traveled.

“Thank you for being who you are,” he said.