Rock Ceremony at Ohio State honors alumni who ‘carry a weight we cannot see’

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Rock Ceremony at Ohio State honors alumni who 'carry a weight we cannot see'

Annual event recognizes sacrifice of Buckeye military community

Retired four-star Army Gen. John M. Murray, a graduate of The Ohio State University, joined university leaders, faculty, staff and students this week to pay respects to the 918 Buckeye alumni who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.

Murray delivered the keynote address at the annual Rock Ceremony on the Oval. The ceremony dates to 1919 and concludes with a wreath-laying at a memorial rock in front of Bricker Hall, honoring fallen university alumni.

He spoke about the strength and support for Ohio State's military-connected community. More than 2,400 military-connected students attend the university in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, including over 400 ROTC participants. Additionally, Ohio State employs approximately 1,500 faculty and staff veterans.

"I continue to be amazed at the support that this university gives to its students," he said. "We come to thank them for their service, but we know they deserve so much more."

He also said service carries a "weight we cannot see," which comes from the challenges of leadership and the demands of deployments.

Murray retired from the Army in 2021 after nearly 40 years of service, beginning in 1982 after earning a BS in business from Ohio State. He later received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from the university in 2024.

Ohio State's Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Trevor Brown said he found it inspiring to reflect on the long, proud tradition of service that continues at Ohio State today.

"As Buckeyes, we are called to pay forward and to give of ourselves to help those among us during their time of need," he said. "Nowhere is that spirit more prominent than among the young men and women who are part of our ROTC program and the former service members who are completing their education on our campuses."

Joshua Davis, president of the Ohio State chapter of the Student Veterans Association, said the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today come at a cost.

"Behind every service member is a family, friends and a community. When someone makes the ultimate sacrifice, that loss is felt for generations," he said. "That's why ceremonies like this matter."

SVAOSU supports and assists veterans, service members and their families in their transition to civilian life after completing service, and helps them navigate any challenges during their time on campus.

A 21-gun salute and a rendition of "Taps" closed out the ceremony following the wreath-laying.

Ohio State will observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11. There will be no classes and offices will be closed.

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