Clemson to Host 20th Annual Military Appreciation Day

Clemson University celebrates Military Appreciation Day on Saturday as the Clemson football team plays host to The Citadel at noon, and the university has a full slate of activities planned throughout the day in conjunction with the 20^th anniversary of the event. The game features the school’s first ever Purple Out as fans are encouraged to wear purple in support of the military.

Bowman Field will open officially at 8 a.m., and will have the largest display of military vehicles in the 20-year history of Military Appreciation Day. The displays will include current military vehicles, vintage vehicles and several interactive displays.

The Pershing Rifles (PR) will have a 24-hour guard at the Scroll of Honor beginning at 12 noon Friday until 12 noon Saturday. There will also be a special flag change out ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Scroll of Honor by the PR. There will be a tailgate with light refreshments for former Clemson graduates who are in or were in the military on the Fike deck beginning at 9:30. Our distinguished visitors are: LTG John Mulholland, USA, Furman grad and now Deputy Commander of US Special Operations Command, MajGen Jay Raymond, USAF, Clemson grad and now Director of Strategic Plans and Policy at US Strategic Command, and BG Eddie Jackson, Clemson grad and now Commander South Atlantic Division, US Corps of Engineers.

Following a half-hour Tiger Band performance in the amphitheater beginning at 10:30 a.m., the military parade rolls from the Holmes and McCabe dormitories. All veterans and current military personnel from both Clemson and The Citadel are invited to participate in the parade.

Celebrations continue at the game, with a scheduled flyover of six post-World War II vintage Warbirds at the conclusion of the National Anthem. Throughout the game, there will be numerous recognitions and ceremonies to honor Military Dignitaries, Wounded Warriors, Honor Flight and many more.

Halftime plans include the Summerall Guard from The Citadel, and a special ceremony as Clemson pays tribute to fallen soldiers from the state of South Carolina and recognizes their family members. The Clemson marching band will also pay tribute to all five branches of the military during its halftime show.

All veterans and current military personnel are invited to stand in the west end zone during the halftime ceremony. To participate, go to Portal X in the WestZone with five minutes remaining in the second quarter.