A 30-foot-long American flag seemed to be waving in slow motion as the University honored its ROTC program Thursday afternoon.
University officials and members of the Silver Wings and Scotch Guard gathered at the War Memorial on the Parade Ground as Chancellor Sean O’Keefe recognized the University’s long and distinguished history of military accomplishments.
Cadet Lt. Col. Patrick Doring, deputy corps commander for the ROTC, said LSU’s traditions have a deep military influence.
For example, he said, the University’s tiger mascot is a tribute to the Tiger Rifles, a distinguished Civil War unit made up of LSU students.
The University was also commonly referred to as the “Old War Skule” for its long-standing involvement in the Civil War and World War II.
O’Keefe said in a speech to those who attended the event the University was founded by military leaders; and during WWII, LSU produced more generals than every other university except the United States Military Academy at West Point and Texas A&M University.
He called the members of the University ROTC the “future leaders of our law enforcement, military and of the community.”
O’Keefe said it is necessary for the University to recognize the Corps of Cadets for choosing a path that may risk their own safety for that of their country.
He said after the cadets graduate from the University, some may find themselves “in a situation less hospitable” than that of other civilians.
“Few entail routinely in the life you have chosen,” O’Keefe told the cadets. A life, he said, that would keep them separated from their families and in risk of danger.
The Corps of Cadets marched in perfect unity before coming to a halt as O’Keefe participated in the traditional inspection of the troops.
Doring said the University has always had a reputation for producing quality cadets.
“While the enrollment may not be as large as it once was,” Doring said. “The quality of the cadets continues to be superb.”
 
 
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