Dedication ceremonies were held Oct. 8 for a campus memorial to honor NDSU alumni, students and staff who have died in service to our country. More than 150 people attended the dedication and first flag raising at the Fallen Bison Memorial, located just south of Bentson-Bunker Fieldhouse.
Retired Gen. Charles Wald, a 1971 NDSU graduate, was the featured speaker. Wald is the former Deputy Commander of the U.S European Command. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operations at the Pentagon.
During his comments, Wald paid tribute to Lt. Robert Schmitt and Capt. Thomas Gramith, whose names are included on the memorial. Schmitt, a 1948 NDSU graduate, was killed in ground combat during the Korean War. Gramith, a 2005 NDSU graduate, died during an Air Force night mission in Afghanistan.
The ceremony featured a color guard of Air Force and Army ROTC Cadets and a three-volley salute by American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars members. Air Force ROTC Cadet Patrick A. Bergh played taps.
The 20-feet square memorial is built of brick and granite, with a flagpole in the center dedicated to Schmitt and Gramith.
Donations for the Fallen Bison Memorial can be sent to: NDSU Development Foundation and Alumni Association, PO Box 5144, Fargo, ND 58105-5144.
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