Military Appreciation Day to Honor Veterans

Clemson University's Army and Air Force ROTC personnel, in collaboration with the Clemson Corps, the athletic department and Tiger band, will pay special tribute to Vietnam War veterans during Military Appreciation Day Saturday, Nov. 11.

"Clemson has a proud military tradition that dates back 117 years, and more than 10,000 Clemson alumni have served in the Armed Forces," said Col. Danny Rhodes, U.S. Army (retired) and chairman of the Clemson Corps. "We must pay tribute to these dedicated Americans and all those who have served in the defense of this great country. This tribute on Veterans Day will allow us to honor the contributions and sacrifices of all service men and women."

The festivities will recognize veterans of all the wars, as well as current soldiers and fallen soldiers from North Carolina and South Carolina. Veterans will be recognized during halftime activities of the Clemson-N.C. State football game. Prior to the game, at 10 a.m., there will be a Veterans Day ceremony at the Military Heritage Plaza on Bowman Field. At 11 a.m., military veterans, active military, Reserve and National Guard members will join the Tiger Band at the campus outdoor amphitheater for a concert 90 minutes before kick-off. The group then will walk down the hill to Memorial Stadium.

The day's activities also will include a military equipment display, featuring Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, on Bowman Field, beginning at 9 a.m. Military Appreciation Day commemorative T-shirts are available in various Clemson shops for fans to purchase and wear Saturday. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Clemson University Air Force and Army ROTC programs. During the pregame ceremonies, former Clemson athletes Ryan Hub (baseball) and Will Rogers (swimming) will run down the hill prior to the Clemson football team's entrance.

Both former Clemson athletes are currently serving in the United States armed forces. The invocation on Saturday will be given by Ret. Col. Bill Austin, a Clemson graduate who was a Vietnam POW. There will be an F-176 Flyover from Shaw Air Force Base during the national anthem.

Additionally, former Vietnam POW Bob Fant, a former Clemson football manager, will make the ceremonial coin toss.