The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga invites the community to attend the ROTC activation ceremony for the Mocs Battalion on Saturday, October 13, 1:30 p.m. The event will be held at the UTC Quadrangle (outside Patten Chapel). In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the University Center auditorium.
“Those who attend the activation ceremony will be touched by the rich symbolism, historic references and stirrings of patriotism,” UTC Chancellor Roger Brown said. “It will be a proud day for our campus.”
The Color Guard at the activation ceremony will be comprised of cadets from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, symbolizing the partnership of the Rocky Top and Mocs Battalions.
U.S. Army four-star General B.B.Bell will participate in the ceremony. General Bell currently commands U.S. Army forces in Korea, along with the U.S.-Republic of Korea Combined Forces and the United Nations forces. As commander of the three organizations, General Bell is responsible for managing the 1953 Armistice that ended the Korean War and resolving any crises in the Demilitarized Zone which separates North and South Korea.
The ceremony will begin with Bell and Sergeant First Class Michael Bohannon uncasing the Mocs Battalion colors. The colors represent the heritage and history of the unit and the unity and loyalty of its soldiers. They are also the commander’s symbol of authority, signifying responsibility to the organization. The custodian of the colors is the senior military instructor, who is also the senior enlisted soldier in the unit and principle advisor to the commander.
During the ceremony, Bohannon will pass the colors to Bell, who will then pass the colors to Major Benjamin Smith, charging him with his responsibilities and authority as the commander of the Mocs Battalion.
A reception will follow the ceremony.
For more information, call (423) 425-5581.
