Miniature American flags have been placed on Mississippi State's Drill Field to honor all who have served to protect our freedom. The university's 2015 Veterans Day observance began this morning with the reading of the names of the nearly 7,000 military personnel who have died during the current War on Terror. The names will be read continuously throughout the day. At 2 p.m., the reading pauses for a formal ceremony featuring remarks by MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Regina Hyatt, vice president of student affairs. Also taking part will be representatives of the land-grant institution’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs. A joint ROTC color guard will present the colors. To conclude the day’s events, the MSU Student Veterans Association is sponsoring 5K and one-mile runs to benefit both a state veterans’ charity and its own ongoing mission. This Saturday [Nov. 14], veterans also will be honored during the MSU v. Alabama football game with a military-themed halftime show.