Every Memorial Day, we come together as a nation to pause and honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to the United States of America. It is a day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance—a time to recognize the immense cost of the freedoms we enjoy. At Ohio State University, Memorial Day carries a profound significance, as it reminds us not only of the sacrifice of those who served but also of the deep bond between our Buckeye community and the American military.
Memorial Day is far more than just a holiday marking the start of summer. It is a solemn occasion rooted in history and tradition, originally established after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers. What began as Decoration Day, a time when families and communities decorated the graves of their lost loved ones, has evolved into a nationwide tribute to all those who gave their lives in defense of our nation’s ideals. It is a day that demands our respect and contemplation, reminding us that freedom is precious and fragile—secured only through tremendous sacrifice.
Ohio State University embodies a proud tradition of service and patriotism. Our campus, nestled in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, is home to countless students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have answered the call to duty in conflicts spanning from the World Wars to the present day. The Buckeye community deeply values the men and women who have served, recognizing their courage, resilience, and dedication to protecting our nation.
The university supports a robust ROTC program that trains the future leaders of our armed forces across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. These programs ensure that Ohio State continues its longstanding commitment to military service and leadership development. Additionally, Ohio State provides extensive resources and support for veterans and active-duty personnel. These include scholarships, academic advising, mental health counseling, and career services designed to help those who have served successfully transition to civilian life.
This spirit of service and sacrifice is woven into the very fabric of Ohio State life. Whether through academic programs focused on national security and leadership, student organizations dedicated to veteran outreach, or community events honoring military personnel, the university embraces its role in supporting the military community. Memorial Day serves as an especially meaningful time to honor these ties and renew our commitment to remembering those who gave everything.
On Memorial Day, we remember not just statistics or distant history, but the individual lives behind the names inscribed on monuments and memorials. Each name represents a unique story of sacrifice—a life cut short, a family forever changed, and a community touched by loss and courage. At Ohio State, we take pride in honoring the legacy of alumni who served and sacrificed in defense of our freedoms. Their memory lives on in scholarships, memorial ceremonies, and quiet moments of reflection across campus.
One powerful symbol of this legacy is the Ohio State University War Memorial, located on the Columbus campus. This solemn space invites the Buckeye community to remember and pay tribute to those who served and did not return home. The memorial is a constant reminder of the cost of freedom and the valor of those who defend it.
Honoring Memorial Day means more than remembering the past; it means living with purpose in the present. Ohio State encourages all Buckeyes to embody the values of service, leadership, and community that our fallen heroes exemplified. Supporting veterans and active service members through education, health services, and career opportunities is just one way the university ensures these values endure. Likewise, students are inspired to engage in service-learning projects, volunteer efforts, and leadership roles that reflect the spirit of giving back.
The university’s annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances bring together the Buckeye family in solemn ceremonies. These events often feature guest speakers, musical tributes, and the laying of wreaths. They serve as powerful moments to express gratitude and to renew our collective commitment to honoring those who have served.
Ohio State has a long history of producing courageous individuals who have distinguished themselves in military service. Buckeyes have served in every branch of the armed forces and in every major conflict, from World War I to current operations around the globe. Many Ohio State alumni have earned the nation’s highest military honors, including the Medal of Honor, for acts of extraordinary bravery. These heroes inspire us to live lives of courage, honor, and service.
Remembering Memorial Day is a responsibility shared by all Americans, regardless of background or affiliation. It is a day to come together, to reflect, and to express gratitude. Attending local ceremonies, visiting military cemeteries or memorials, supporting veterans and their families, and educating ourselves and future generations about military history are all ways to honor the sacrifices made. Even simple acts, such as flying the American flag with pride or pausing for a moment of silence, hold profound meaning.
The true meaning of Memorial Day lies in acknowledging that freedom is not free. It is a precious gift purchased by the valor and sacrifice of countless Americans. The rights we enjoy to speak freely, pursue education, worship according to our beliefs, and live in peace are secured through the bravery of those who served and gave their lives.
At Ohio State, this truth resonates deeply. Every day, Buckeyes walk across the Oval, attend classes, cheer on the Buckeyes, and engage with their communities, all under the shadow of this legacy. The sacrifices of our fallen heroes remain a guiding light, inspiring each of us to appreciate the freedoms we have and to work toward a more just and united society.
This Memorial Day, Ohio State calls upon every member of its community—students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends—to pause and reflect. To honor those who gave everything for our country is to recognize the tremendous debt we owe and to pledge ourselves to uphold the values for which they fought. Whether through quiet reflection, active participation in memorial events, or acts of service to our fellow citizens, we can all contribute to keeping the spirit of Memorial Day alive.
In remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we honor their legacy by living lives that reflect the courage, loyalty, and unity they embodied. As Buckeyes, we stand united with all Americans in gratitude, respect, and remembrance. We owe a debt that can never be fully repaid, but we can ensure that their memories endure through our actions and commitments.
So this Memorial Day, as we gather with family and friends, let us take a moment to remember the heroes who gave their lives for our country. Let us cherish the freedoms they protected and strive to live in a way that honors their sacrifice. Let us hold close the values of service, unity, and courage that define the Buckeye spirit and the American spirit.
May we never forget the sacrifices made, and may the memory of our nation’s heroes continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Go Bucks.
