UMD Cadets Stand Guard For Veterans Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Veterans Day 2024 was observed at UMD’s campus in its usual fashion.

50 Air Force ROTC cadets have been standing guard at the flagpole since midnight Monday, as their way to honor veterans and reflect on their service.

Cadets are taking 30 minute shifts through the 24 hours of the day, regardless of the weather.

“I think it’s always important to remember our service members,” says Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Peterson, “but today being Veterans’ Day is the day that the country as a whole reflects on it.  I think having them out here in public view helps folks locally here remember as well.”

The vigil was organized by students from UMD, St. Scholastica, and UW-Superior.