NC State’s ROTC units honored those who have served in the military early Wednesday morning with a run down Hillsborough Street and up Cates Avenue, ending at the Bell Tower.
About 400 people, including those from ROTC units, the NC State baseball team and civilians ran in tribute to the men and women who served and are serving the United States.
The run began at 6 a.m., but Jasmin Alsaied, a junior studying nuclear engineering and a joint officer in Navy ROTC, said she didn’t mind.
“We were always told to remember that when we have to study late at night or wake up early, it’s worth it because it’s a sacrifice,” Alsaied said.
The run and the speeches that followed were to remember the importance of Veterans Day.
“I think we all take for granted our freedom, and freedom is a thing that should never be taken for granted because it can be taken from you,” said Elliott Avent, head baseball coach at NC State. “[Veterans Day] gives us a day to thank the brave men and women of our country who go out there every day, and knowing their life can be put on the line that day to make us free. I think we don’t get to say thank you enough. [Veterans Day] was the day to come and wave our flags and thank all the brave men and women for all they do for our country.”
Nov. 11, 1918, the Armistice was signed to end World War I right outside of Compiegne, France. Compiegne is one of Raleigh’s Sister Cities, and Gretchen Chapman, chair of Compiegne Committee for Raleigh Sister Cities, awarded NC State’s ROTC with a wreath that was laid at the foot of the Bell Tower, which memorializes 35 NC State alumni who were killed in World War I.
“There is a natural link between the celebration and Compiegne — it just makes sense,” Chapman said.
The baseball team has been a part of the Veterans Day 5K for 10 years, according to Avent.
“When our young men and women can understand deeper meanings of why such things are celebrated, they have greater appreciation for how we can walk around free every day and go to college and play ball,” Avent said.
Devrim Goktan, a sophomore studying civil engineering and a member of Air Force ROTC, said he* was pleased with the way the race turned out.
“The run was a lot of fun,” Goktan said. “Every branch was represented, and we also had a lot of civilians, which was really nice.”
*On Nov. 12 the Technician incorrectly reported that Devrim Goktan was a “she” instead of a “he.”
