The J-TAC

Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Alicia Garza The ROTC Honor Guard stands in line in front of the Color Guard at the Silver Taps Ceremony last Friday, April 10.

On Friday, April 10, Tarleton students and faculty members gathered in Heritage Park at 8 p.m. to honor the lives and families of 116 deceased alumni, faculty, staff and students at this year's Silver Taps Ceremony.

Lt. Col. Robert Levis welcomed guests to begin the ceremony. He then introduced Maj. John Osbourn, who led the invocation.

President Dennis McCabe presented the Words of Remembrance in honor of those that have passed as well as their families.

"By being here tonight we are saying 'life is special'," said McCabe. "It is the bond of tradition that ties the past with the future."

Levis then began the Recognition of the Deceased, announcing the name of each of the 116 members of the Tarleton family who have died within the past year. As each name was called, a current Tarleton student or faculty member came forward, holding a purple carnation and a lit candle, as a symbol of life representation.

"I think it's a very special event and I'm very proud to say I get to honor the fallen students. It is very dear to my heart," said Alycia Pruitt, a student volunteer.

The students lined up in a block-T formation in front of the Hunewell Bandstand. After the final name was called, Osbourn led the Prayer of Remembrance.

"I feel that it's very heart-warming and shows a lot of respect to the students that we lost at this school," said volunteer Brittni Favors.

After the recognition of the deceased, students and families moved to the Tarleton Military Memorial for the Placing of the Wreath, led by Dr. John Pelham and Cadet Barrett Munson. The ROTC Honor Guard led the 21 Gun Salute before each student extinguished their candle.

"I think it is one of the most important events on campus to recognize Tarleton alumni, students, and family," said Seth Claybaker, a Silver Taps volunteer.

Silver Taps is an annual collaboration between the Alumni Relations Office, Tarleton ROTC Program and volunteers from the student body. For more information about these organizations visit http://www.tarleton.edu/~alumni/relations.htm or http://www.tarleton.edu/~rotc/TARLETON%20ROTC_Brochure3.pdf.

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