BROOKINGS — The Governor’s Day ceremony on Tuesday morning at South Dakota State University was a time to honor those Army and Air Force ROTC cadets training to serve. Additionally, it was a time to recognize the men and women now serving in our nation’s armed forces and a time to thank our military veterans who have served.

On stage at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center to help present awards and honors were Gov. Larry Rhoden and SDSU President Barry Dunn. Serving as master of ceremonies and welcoming the attendees, who included local dignitaries, retired military officers and representatives of military and patriotic service organizations, was Lt. Col John Peary, U.S. Army and professor of military science.

“You are the reason we are gathered here today,” Peary said in recognition of the cadets gathered on the stage in two military formations — one Army, one Air Force. “Thank you for volunteering to serve our country, to help maintain our military status as the best in the world. I’d like to to take this opportunity to thank you cadets for another amazing year.

“The ROTC programs at SDSU are not just about military training. They’re about cultivating leaders who will go forth to serve their country with honor, responsibility and integrity. These cadets have demonstrated resilience, intellect and moral courage in their training, academics and leadership. They are not just students; they are the future of our nation. Today we recognize their unwavering dedication to the principles of loyalty, duty, honor and respect.”

Following the national anthem, Dunn welcomed the governor and other dignitaries and then addressed the cadets, “expressing my deep appreciation for your service to our geat nation. I am extremely proud of all of you. Your willingness to protect freedom and democracy is to be commended. … I also want to give a special thanks to those of you who have provided exceptional leadership to these  cadets. Their preparedness is a direct result of your dedicated time and guidance and will lead to not only their personal success but also to a strong national defense.”

A family that served

Introducing the governor, the president lauded him as “a proven leader with a long record of service to our state and nation.” He continued with a recounting of Rhoden’s long years of service, specifically citing his being “a strong supporter of SDSU and our efforts to improve our facilities on campus … and to improve higher education in South Dakota.”

Following a round of applause, the governor in his address cited his role as commander-in-chief of the South Dakota National Guard, in which he served six years. He noted: “Serving as commander-in-chief of this fantastic fighting force is indeed a great honor, one that I struggle to put into words.”

Continuing, Rhoden listed family members “who have served in America’s armed forces for generations” His great-great-great-grandfather came to America with Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer, and fought in the Revolutionary War; his grandfather fought in World War I; his father, his “hero,” fought in World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge; two brothers served, one of them in combat in Vietnam; and his son, Cody, was a Blackhawk pilot.

Recognizing their “professionalism,” the governor noted that “our servicemen and (service)women have proven to me time and time again that they will always rise to the challenges. A member of the South Dakota National Guard will always go far beyond the call of duty. They make sacrifices to protect our God-given freedoms and liberties. They dedicate themselves to the mission 100 percent. … You are truly the next generation of leaders for our state and our nation.”

Rhoden concluded his remarks by expressing his appreciation those men and women, veterans who have served: “Without you we would not have the land of the free andd the home of the brave. … Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.”

Following his remarks and another round of applause the governor was presented “with a replica of an Army officer’s sword.” Inscribed on it was: “West Point of the Plains South Dakota State University Army ROTC.”

Those in the audience who are serving or who had served were then given a round of applause.

Top cadets recognized

Presentation of awards and honors followed the governor’s address. Two major awards being presented were the Governor’s Cup. It went to the top cadet of the hosting unit, which this year was the Army, Blake Gibney. The President’s Cup went to the top Air Force cadet, Nathan Lawrence.

Other Army ROTC awards and their sponsors included: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Abigail Pape; Daughters of the American Revolution, Carlee Natvig; American Legion Military Excellence, Marisa, Mulcahy; Disabled American Veterans, Joshua Venable; Military Officers Association of America, Samuel Buchholz; Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Maria Eisenbraun; Vietnam Veterans of America Leadership Scholarship, Austin Ourada; Vietnam Veterans of America Caulfield AROTC Scholarship, Nicholas Schliepsiek; Department of the Army Superior Cadet: Blake Gibney, Nathan Rankin, Hannah Terkildsen, Savanah Hendricks; and Advanced Course Cadet of the Year, Alexis Schelske.

Other Air Force ROTC Awards and their sponsors included: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Aden Mickartz; Daughters of the American Revolution, Lisa Wipf; American Legion Military Excellence, Daniel Harvey; Disabled American Veterans, Jens Enga; Military Officers Association of America, Natalie Kirkvold; Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Isabel Kann; Vietnam Veterans of America Leadership Scholarship, Emily Helgeson; and Vietnam Veterans of America Excellence Scholarship, Brayden Schultz.

Governor’s Day dates back to 1918, when Peter Norbeck was governor and Capt. Capt. Omar Bradley was professor of military science at what was then South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.  Bradley would go on to fame in World War II, five stars (General of the Army) and become the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Contact John Kubal at jkubal@brookingsregister.com.