As the sun set to end a day of honor, the Penn State Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) gathered outside Wagner Building to remember armed forces and fallen troops.

About seven YAF members watched as ROTC officers lowered the flag and held a vigil to commemorate Veterans Day.

The vigil concluded YAF's weeklong series of events that it called "Freedom Week."

The week included a keynote speaker, a demonstration of the fall of the Berlin Wall and a display to show the number of classes teaching communist, Marxist, socialist and post-modern theory versus the number of classes teaching conservative theory.

"We wanted to do a week to celebrate our freedoms," YAF President Shauna Moser said.

Erika Utz, YAF social chair, said she was disappointed with the turnout at the vigil.

"I don't know if we didn't publicize enough or if people don't care enough," Utz said. "I think a lot of people support what we do, but I don't know why people don't want to do it or if they are too busy."

Moser said the organization held "Freedom Week" the same week as the fall of the Berlin Wall and Veterans Day because they are two important days.

"There's nothing more honorable or more American than serving the war," Moser said. "Therefore, honoring the troops -- those who serve -- is one of the most important things to do as an American."

Moser said the vigil was at the end of the week to tie the week's events together.

"We celebrated our freedoms all week. Now [we have] the opportunity to thank the people who made it possible for us," she said.

Utz said YAF watched ROTC members lower the flag every day last week.

"All week, we've been coming at 5 [p.m.] just to salute the flag and pay our respects," Utz said. "We wanted to have a small prayer service today because its Veterans Day, to honor the troops who are currently serving and those who have served in the past."

After ROTC members lowered the flag, folded it in a tight triangle and marched back inside Wagner Building, YAF members gathered around the flagpole for prayer.

Moser shared a prayer for veterans written by a YAF member.

YAF member Mike Ryan said it was important to remember those who serve and those who have fallen to defend their country.

"We just want to show respect to ROTC, veterans -- anyone in the armed services who give up their time to serve our country," Ryan said. "If we don't take time to honor what they are doing, it's like not giving them the respect and honor they deserve."