Clemson Holds 2019 Military Appreciation Day Saturday

Clemson’s Military Heritage • Clemson Scroll of Honor • Gameday Guide

Clemson University will celebrate Military Appreciation Day Saturday as football hosts Wofford at 4 p.m., and the university has a full slate of activities planned throughout the day:

• Bowman Field will have displays from the Army, Air Force and Marines, which include military ground vehicles, helicopters and interactive areas that can be enjoyed by all ages on Saturday.
• During pregame, South Carolina families of Fallen Soldiers will be introduced on the field and join Tiger Band for the patriotic portion of their pregame show.
• Flyover of four F-16s from the 169th Fighter Wing, 157th Fighter Squadron, South Carolina National Air Guard based at McEntire Joint National Guard Base
• Special Forces Association will parachute an American Flag, the Tiger, and a game ball.
• In-game military recognitions will include the introduction of high-ranking military officials, a Medal of Honor Spotlight (retired Major General Patrick Brady), the Hero of the Game (Captain Mykle Stahl) and a Wounded Warrior Spotlight (Sergeant Jeffery Rohletter).
• All veterans and active-duty military members are invited to come down to the field during halftime to be recognized. To participate, go to portal X in the WestZone or enter through the visitor’s tunnel (gate 10) with five minutes remaining in the second quarter.
• During halftime, Tiger Band will play the Armed Forces Medley, and all veterans and active-duty military members are asked to stand to be recognized when their branch’s song is played. Veterans will be recognized in the west end zone by branch during this time as well.
• A fallen soldier tribute will take place with the solider cross and a 21-gun salute in the east end zone, ending with the playing of “Taps.”
• Veterans will hold up 493 stars, a tribute to the 493 individuals whose names appear on the Scroll of Honor for making the ultimate sacrifice.

The game is designated as a “Purple Out,” and fans are encouraged to wear purple in support of the military. Clemson is proud to partner with Colosseum, 47 Brand and Operation Hat Trick in support of Military Appreciation Day merchandise and support of our Military.

Tying into Military Appreciation Day, Clemson-branded Operation Hat Trick (OHT) product will be available online at www.shopclemsontigers.com and in-venue during the game, as well as at other local retailers. OHT is a non-profit organization that increases awareness, support and funding for the recovery of wounded service members and veterans through the sale of branded merchandise, proceeds of which are distributed to selected organizations that support OHT’s mission.

Clemson was one of the first universities to adopt the OHT program when it launched as a national brand in 2012.  Last year, Clemson was the top selling OHT collegiate partner and received recognition from OHT by winning the OHT Excellence in Service Award. This award is presented to universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to OHT and OHT’s military support mission.  As a recipient of the Service Aware, OHT donated $11,000 in Clemson University’s name to Purple Heart Homes – Golden Chapter in the local marketplace.

A list of pre-game and in-game presentations and recognitions are available here:

Clemson University sincerely thanks all our current military and veterans for their sacrifice for our country.