CARBONDALE, Ill. (Heartland News) - Southern Illinois University Carbondale will hold its annual vigil at the flagpole near the center of campus on Veterans Day.
According to SIUC, this November 11 marks the 45th anniversary of the flagpole vigil. It honors SIU and southern Illinois veterans who served their country in the U.S. and armed forces.
SIU Air Force and Army ROTC programs partner with SIU Veterans Services to coordinate the vigil, which starts at 6 a.m. at the Old Main Flagpole, just south of Woody Hall.
ROTC cadets will stand silent throughout the day, changing shifts every 15 minutes, until noon.
In a ceremony at 11 a.m., Mayor Carolin Harvey will read a proclamation and guest speaker retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Walt Lindsley will give remarks. He is a 1989 SIU alumnus.
The ceremony will end with the laying of a wreath and the playing of “Taps” by the SIU Trumpet Studio.
Copyright 2026 Heartland News. All rights reserved.