Chadron State College ROTC cadets paid tribute to the nation’s veterans during a special Veterans Day program on Monday.

The 10-minute ceremony, moved indoors from the CSC Centennial Flag Plaza by the cold,  featured appreciation for all veterans living, deceased and missing.

Included in the ceremony was the cadets’ presentation and description of both the battlefield cross and a missing man table.

The battlefield cross, comprised of a rifle, helmet, boots and other artifacts from a fallen soldier, pays tribute to those who die in battle. The table, which featured a place-setting for one, contained items symbolic to the soldiers missing in action.

In addition, Franklin Annis, CSC assistant professor of military science, spoke in appreciation of veterans.

“This day, as you go out, I ask you to remember those that have fallen, those that are still yet to be accounted for, and most importantly I encourage you to remember those that are still living,” Annis said. “Ask them to share their stories with you. Come to understand the challenges they face and the troubles they went through in defense of their country.”

This marked the third consecutive year for a Veterans Day ceremony at CSC. Because of the single-digit temperature, the event was moved indoors to the Chicoine Atrium of the Sandoz Center instead of the Centennial Flag Plaza.

—Justin Haag, CSC Information Services