Det. 847 pays tribute to fallen soldiers

Trumpets blared as the ASU ROTC program's first spring flag retreat ceremony commenced Wednesday at Fort Concho.

The national anthem played and the cannon went off at 3:40 p.m., as the U.S. flag was lowered into the arms of two cadets.

The flag ceremony shows respect to the men and women who have fought for our freedom, Cadet 1st Lt. Kenneth Chalupa said.

It's an honored event that pays tribute to all of the fallen men and women who served, Chalupa said. "It's the official ceremony to end the day."

The flag retreat gives cadets a unique opportunity to experience local historic military culture, Cadet 3rd Class Scott D. Vander Ven said.

Over 70 cadets led the event.

This is the first year the flag retreat has been held in the spring and at Ft. Concho, Chalupa said.

After the flag was lowered and folded, it was handed off to Cadet Col. Andrew Schurman.

"We wanted to do something different," Schurman said. "Fort Concho is a nice setting for the flat retreat."

Schurman handed the flag to ASU President Joseph C. Rallo.

"I was proud to be a part of the ceremony," Rallo said. "It's important for people to know the history of our military."

Robert Bluthardt, site manager of Fort Concho said he was happy to have the event at Fort Concho.

"Anytime the military wants to hold events we are glad to accommodate them," Bluthardt said.