Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: NEWS

Media Credit: Charlie McRae The NT Flight Memorial Ceremony was held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday to commemorate students, faculty, staff and alumni who have died in the past year.

Media Credit: Charlie McRae The NT Flight Memorial Ceremony was held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday to commemorate students, faculty, staff and alumni who have died in the past year.

Beneath an overcast sky, a crowd of about 100 people gathered at the Schrader Pavilion on Wednesday to hold a vigil for students, alumni, faculty and staff members who have died in the past year.

The second annual NT Flight Memorial began at noon with the presentation of the colors by the NT Air Force ROTC and an opening welcome from Student Government Association President Josh Ness.

It is called the Flight Memorial because of the symbolism it shares with the eagle, the NT mascot, Ness said.

Celia Williamson, deputy provost and dean for undergraduate studies, gave the main address, saying that many of those lost were brilliant pioneers who died too soon.

"The kind of friends that fortify your soul," Williamson said, about the loved ones lost. "They are no longer here and we miss them."

Four people to commemorate the four groups that were lost read the names of the deceased. Representing the students was Lance Thomas, director of student affairs. The alumni representative was Phil Glauben, president of the board of directors. Representing the staff was Anissa Breaux-Schropp, staff council chair of the office of compliance, and representing the faculty was Richard Wells, vice chair of the faculty senate and member of the journalism faculty.

According to the pamphlet handed out before the memorial, there were 20 students, 37 faculty and staff, and 777 alumni who lost their lives in the past year.

Victor Lozado, Jr., whose father Cpl. Victor Lozada-Tirada was killed while escorting the Clinton motorcade on Feb. 22, paid tribute in the form of song.

After the names were read, four bells tolled from McConnell Tower, and eagle ambassador Jonathan Morsinkhoff played Taps.

"It was beautiful," said Ryan Nelson, a Duncanville junior. "It makes you realize the impact this university has on people. It was a very cordial vigil."

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