RALEIGH -- An annual Veterans Day tradition continued at NC State University Friday.

Students from ROTC units gathered for an early morning two-mile run and ceremony to honor veterans.

The event, as always, took place in front of the iconic Bell Tower, which was constructed to remember the NC State alumni who lost their lives in World War I.

Overnight and into the morning, students with the ROTC program stand guard in front of the Bell Tower to honor our fallen service members.

The ROTC program at NC State is especially unique because all four branches of military are represented on campus.

Retired Rear Admiral Douglas Morton delivered the keynote address. He spoke about the everlasting bond that comes with entering the military.

“And the sacrifice they’re going to make leaving their family, their loved ones… things that are comfortable… that’s the veteran difference,” said Morton. “So when you see a veteran and you start talking to them and if you haven’t been a veteran, you don’t quite know what that is.”

The Veterans Day tradition at NC State has taken place for over 100 years.