Army General Leads Ohio State Tribute to 918 Fallen Alumni
The university's 2026 Rock Ceremony recognized the sacrifice of military graduates while highlighting the growing number of service-connected students and staff on campus.
By Luka Evans ·
The annual Rock Ceremony on the Ohio State University Oval serves as a fixed point of remembrance for the university's military community. On Tuesday, retired four-star Army Gen. John M. Murray joined university leaders and students to honor 918 alumni who died while serving the nation.
Murray, who graduated from Ohio State in 1982 with a business degree, delivered the keynote address. He noted that the ceremony has been held since 1919 and ends with a wreath-laying at a memorial rock in front of Bricker Hall. Murray described the burden of service as a weight that is often invisible to those not in uniform.
"I continue to be amazed at the support that this university gives to its students," Murray said. "We come to thank them for their service, but we know they deserve so much more." He added that the challenges of leadership and deployment create a weight that others cannot see.
The university reported that more than 2,400 military-connected students currently attend across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. This group includes over 400 ROTC participants. Ohio State also employs approximately 1,500 faculty and staff members who are veterans.
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Trevor Brown spoke during the event about the tradition of service at the institution. "As Buckeyes, we are called to pay forward and to give of ourselves to help those among us during their time of need," Brown said. He identified the ROTC program and former service members completing their education as prime examples of that spirit.
Joshua Davis, president of the Ohio State chapter of the Student Veterans Association, emphasized the lasting impact of loss. "Behind every service member is a family, friends and a community. When someone makes the ultimate sacrifice, that loss is felt for generations," Davis said. The Student Veterans Association assists veterans and their families in transitioning to civilian life and navigating campus life.
A 21-gun salute and a performance of "Taps" concluded the ceremony. Ohio State will close offices and cancel classes on Nov. 11 to observe Veterans Day.
