As an annual testament to its deeply rooted military heritage, Clemson University will celebrate Military Appreciation Week from Monday, Nov. 17 to Saturday, Nov. 22. There are a variety of events and traditions scheduled throughout the week, culminating inside Memorial Stadium at Clemson’s home football game against Furman University.
Military Appreciation Week is designed to pay homage to Clemson’s rich military history, while also bringing awareness to the traditions that members of the University continue to honor today. It unites the past and the present in a celebration of service, bringing recognition to an integral piece of what makes this school so special.
MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEK SCHEDULE
On Monday, Nov. 17, the week officially kicks off with the planting of miniature American flags on Bowman field. Each flag stands in place of one Clemson University veteran — employee or student — one ROTC cadet, one Marine Corps officer candidate and one prisoner of war. New this year is a guided “Echoes of Valor” tour of Woodland cemetery and the gravesites of buried veterans. Additionally, students in the counselor education master’s program hear from a panel of military guests — highlighted by U.S. Air Force Col. (Ret.) Bill Austin, Vietnam prisoner of war — as part of an exclusive Military Experience Seminar.
The Military Appreciation Week brunch will be held in Carillon Garden on campus from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Hosted annually by Staff Senate, the event features remarks from President Jim Clements, as well as keynote speaker Jason LeMay, who played football at Clemson from 1998-2001 before serving in the Navy as a diving medical technician. LeMay is pursuing his undergraduate degree as a student veteran.
Also on Wednesday, the Student Veterans Association and Tiger Military Alliance are leading drop-in Scroll of Honor Memorial tours and conducting an annual flag planting — one of the week’s most impactful demonstrations. Around 5 p.m, volunteers are planting 498 flags, equal to the number of stones in the Scroll of Honor barrow to pay their respects to the Clemson alumni who died in service. Concurrently, flags are being planted on the graves of identified veterans in Woodland Cemetery. These events reflect the pride and respect the University holds for the members of the Clemson Family who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, Clemson hosts a Military Ball — an evening of tradition, honor and celebration of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. David Wilkins ’68, trustee emeritus and former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, is scheduled to deliver remarks. He served as a first lieutenant in the Army. The ball is scheduled for 6 p.m at Owen Pavilion outside of the Madren Center, and it encourages a formal or military equivalent dress code. The Military Ball is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online.
Additional Scroll of Honor Memorial tours are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21, along with Green Zone Training — an instructional program that helps faculty, staff and graduate assistants better understand the needs of students and colleagues with military and veteran backgrounds.
The week concludes with Clemson’s Military Appreciation Day football game against Furman University, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m in Memorial Stadium. Prior to the game, fans and members of the community can visit Bowman Field to observe a display of authentic military vehicles, or stop by the military parade at 3:00 as veterans walk alongside Tiger Band.
During the game, several customs take place to honor soldiers — current, retired and fallen — as well as many other traditions and promotions for military-connected individuals. Several distinguished visitors will be recognized, including Rear Admiral Bill Schachte ‘64 — a Vietnam veteran and the highest ranking Navy admiral in Clemson’s history — and Rear Admiral Marc Lederer — an active duty Naval officer and Clemson parent. At halftime, Tiger Band will invite members of the various branches onto the field as they perform the armed forces medley. Halftime concludes with the traditional laying of the soldier’s wreath, playing of “Taps” and a 21-gun salute.
Overall, the collection of Military Appreciation Week’s unique events aims to respect and uphold the University’s rich history, celebrating the Clemson military community’s past, present and future impacts — both at Clemson and on the country as a whole.
