Taylor, Drackett and Barrett, to most Ohio State students, are names of north-campus residence halls. Moreover, they are known as “The Halls of Honor.”

“All of the residence halls on north campus are named after OSU students who died in World War II,” said Bill Hall, vice president of Student Affairs.

Hall will speak at the annual Rock Ceremony tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in front of Bricker Hall to honor the World War II veterans who inspired the names of the halls, along with all the OSU alumni who have died in war.

“It’s an opportunity for all of us at OSU just to pause and thank the men and women of the armed forces who have served with courage and patriotism,” Hall said.

“Nothing can improve spirit and morale more than hometown appreciation – that they’re thinking about you and haven’t forgotten about you,” he added.

Hall encourages everyone to take a few moments out of their schedules to thank those who serve our country. He was a Brigadier General himself for the Ohio National Guard before retiring.

“There’s been heightened awareness since the attack of 9-11,” he said. “It reminds us and gives us an opportunity to appreciate the folks in uniform who continue to protect this country.”

Ira Gansler, a senior in marketing and the tri-service coordinator for the ceremony, said he is proud to continue the long tradition of service for America.

“It’s sort of a higher calling, knowing that what I do with my life is going to do more than just self-gratification,” Gansler said. “It gives my life meaning to put my life in danger for the sake of my country if I’m called to do so like the generations before provided for me.”

Gansler said the Rock Ceremony is just as much part of OSU tradition as football games and Welcome Week.

“It’s another opportunity to observe a tradition that you only get to do once a year,” he said.

In addition to risking their lives for the nation, the ROTC also serves the OSU community.

“I would encourage the students of OSU to stop and take a look at not only just the ceremony, but all what the ROTC does throughout the year,” Gansler said.

Flag-raising for the national colors is provided by the ROTC during football and basketball games, and they march every commencement ceremony, among other duties.

The Rock Ceremony tomorrow will include a flag ceremony, rifle salute, the playing of the National Anthem and Taps, the laying of a wreath at Memorial Rock, and members of the ROTC will be running the perimeter of The Oval as part of the Veteran’s Run all day.