With the American flag flowing in the wind overhead, members of the University’s ROTC program performed a military parade in honor of a university they said has helped them in “countless ways.”
The parade, held on the Parade Ground, was part of the University’s annual Chancellor’s Day celebration, which paid tribute to the University’s rich military history.
“When I was going to school here in 1951, every student had to serve for two years in the ROTC,” said Ken Tipton, former vice chancellor of the Agricultural Center. “It’s great to see the tradition carrying on today.”
ROTC members presented their skills in precision marching to University dignitaries, former ROTC members and generals in the U.S. military.
Brig. Gen. Hunt Downer of the U.S. Army said he was impressed by the parade and considers members of ROTC programs to be the “future leaders of our nation.”
“In this country, 75 percent of our officers come from ROTC programs,” Downer said. “Even if they choose not to go into the military, these [ROTC] students will carry the lessons they have learned in this program for the rest of their lives. They will be able to use those skills when they become leaders in their communities.”
Downer said it was especially impressive to see the parade because of the ongoing U.S. conflict in Iraq.
“People forget that it is the soldier who gives us freedom of speech, not the poet,” Downer said. “The men and women here today are who is going to be protecting us in the future.”
Brandon Lemley, cadet colonel and sociology senior, said he is proud to be part of the University’s ROTC tradition.
“It’s pretty awesome to be part of a military tradition that goes back to the Civil War,” Lemley said. “It means a lot to know that you are part of something that will last forever.”
Lemley said he thinks the parade was a good way for ROTC students to show their appreciation to the University.
“The University and the Chancellor help us out in so many ways,” Lemley said. “They grant us things like scholarships, and this is our way of thanking them for their support.”
Deputy Corps Commander Joey Peyregne, a petroleum engineering senior and cadet lieutenant colonel, said he thinks the parade helped other students recall the University’s military heritage.
“This will hopefully open the public’s eyes to what LSU started off as — a military college,” Peyregne said.
Chancellor Sean O’Keefe — the parade was also held in his honor — said he was honored to be at the parade and felt it was a fitting way to honor those who served in the military after they left the University.
“LSU and the military have always had a deep relationship with one another,” said O’Keefe. “To be able to see those with a connection to the old program coming together currently in the program has great meaning to the University.”