Flowing gowns and starched uniforms graced the Baton Rouge Marriott off Corporate Boulevard on Sunday night for the annual ROTC military ball.
About 400 ROTC cadets from the Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army gathered together to not only dance the night away, but also to honor seniors and remember military members.
Male and female cadets wore their traditional dress uniforms, while their dates flaunted elegant gowns and classy suits.
Cadets came from University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana University and Southern University as well as LSU to attend the ball.
The event included various military toasts, an honorary ceremony for POW and MIA soldiers, dinner, senior arch – in which graduating seniors walk beneath a line of swords – a guest speaker and, finally, a dance.
The ceremony for POW and MIA soldiers acknowledged and remembered their sacrifice.
The ball’s guest speaker, Rear Admiral of the US Navy Robert R. Percy III, spoke on leadership.
Military balls have been hosted since the founding of the University, said Capt. William Conger, scholarship and enrollment officer of the University’s ROTC program.
“It is a historical and formal practice to keep tradition,” Conger said.
The event serves as a learning experience for cadets so they know how to conduct themselves at similar events upon graduating from ROTC, Conger said.
Conger said it’s also a time for the cadets to come together and bond without pressure.
“It is a great time for them to let their hair down and relax,” Conger said. “It helps them see the social aspect of being a part of the military.”
The ball also kicks off Chancellor’s Day, which is scheduled for April 26, Conger said.
He said his favorite aspect of the ball is to see the cadets at ease and enjoying themselves and to hear the experiences of the guest speaker.
“It is a take away for all of us, not just the cadets,” Conger said.
Computer science freshman and Army cadet Andrew Hadel said he looked forward to the event.
“We finally get together as a corps and have a good time,” Hadel said.
The formal event is ceremonial and symbolic, according to finance senior and Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Steuterman.
“It signifies unity,” Steuterman said. “It is done around the world and every service does it.”
Steuterman said he looked forward to the ceremonies conducted throughout the event the most.
“I enjoy honoring the past and honoring the flag,” Steuterman said.
Brandon Heasley, chemical engineering senior and Mid Shipman of the Navy, said his favorite part of the night is the sword arch.
“It honors all of the graduating seniors that will be commissioned,” Heasley said. “The sword arch is a symbol of making it through to the end.”
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Contact Claire Caillier at [email protected]