The University Brass Quintet played “The Star Spangled Banner” as the ROTC color guard presented the colors at the dedication of a new flagpole Thursday. About 20 people attended the short ceremony at Eastcliff, the residence of University President Mark Yudof.
“Dedicated to the memory of University of Minnesota faculty, staff, students and alumni who gave their lives in the service of their country” was the inscription on a commemorative plaque, which Judy Yudof unveiled at the base of the new flagpole.
The flagpole was erected to augment the Eastcliff residence as a public land and to honor those who have died in combat.
“I thought that for a public building like Eastcliff it was appropriate to have an American flag and a flag of Minnesota in recognition of its public character and the taxpayers who support this whole piece of land,” Yudof said. “We have thousands of guests who come through here each year for various purposes.”
The new pole was dedicated to people associated with the University who have died in the service.
“As the clouds of war gather in the Balkans, I am reminded of (World War II British Prime Minister Winston) Churchill’s admonition that the price of peace is eternal vigilance,” said William Hogan II, chairman of the Board of Regents. “Today, we remember with sadness and loss the friends, colleagues and family members who fell in war. As citizens of their state and country, they served the cause of humanity.”
Members from the ROTC branches of the Navy, Marine, Air Force and Army presented the colors.
The ceremony was concluded after the quintet played “Hail! Minnesota.” A reception followed.