Ohio State flag-raising honors U.S. Navy alumnus

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Ohio State flag-raising honors U.S. Navy alumnus

Dedication part of annual Major Lawrence Miller Flag Ceremony

Members of The Ohio State University tri-service ROTC programs have honored the life of a former U.S. Navy special warfare operator and Ohio State alumnus with a new flag on the pole that bears his name.

The annual Major Lawrence Miller Flag Ceremony was held at the Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium on Wednesday. The tradition sees flags around campus retired and replaced in tribute to the university's military students, veterans and their families.

The flag ceremony is named in honor of Major Lawrence Miller, a two-time Ohio State alumnus. Philanthropic gifts from Miller's family and friends established the creation of several university-wide initiatives, including the Major Lawrence Miller Community Advocate Program and the flag ceremony.

Jim Miller, president of the National Veterans Leadership Foundation and Lawrence Miller's son, said there are dozens of flags across campus, many of different sizes and flown in different ways.

"But there's one thing that they hold in common, which is the need to be cherished and to be flying with dignity," he said.

This year's ceremony replaced the flag of the recently dedicated Tyler Murphy Flagpole. Stephen "Tyler" Murphy, who passed away in 2022, was a close friend and mentor to the Buckeye lacrosse program.

Murphy joined the Navy in 2004 and served as a special warfare boat operator in Special Boat Team Twenty. He left active duty in 2010 to pursue a degree at Ohio State. He graduated with a degree in security and intelligence in 2012 and continued to serve in the Navy reserves.

"I would like to speak on behalf of the Murphy family and how much they would appreciate this opportunity, this moment," said Nick Myers, head coach of the men's lacrosse team. "Murph was a humble warrior. He would talk in our locker room about the walk of the humble warrior. He had a servant heart. He loved his country. He loved to serve, and he loved to give. He gave everything he had."

Murphy's flagpole, located at the southeast entrance of the stadium, was dedicated in 2023 to honor his outstanding life of service.

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