Clemson’s annual Military Appreciation Week kicks off Wednesday, October 14, 2026 and will culminate with the Military Appreciation football game against Charleston Southern on Saturday, October 17. 

To celebrate the University’s military foundation and history, Clemson’s Office of Military and Veteran Engagement has prepared several days of events for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. 

Full Schedule of Events 

The week will begin Wednesday, October 14 at approximately 8 a.m. with the planting of miniature American flags and service branch flags around the Tiger Paw on Bowman Field. 

At 9 a.m., the annual Military Appreciation Brunch will begin in the Carillon Garden. President Benjamin Ayers will deliver remarks, followed by keynote speaker George Bresnihan, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and Clemson alumnus. During the brunch, Clemson will receive the Gold Academic Recognition Award from the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 

Joint Services Transcript workshops also will be held Wednesday for students who would like to have their military credits reviewed. 

Thursday’s itinerary includes Scroll of Honor Memorial tours from noon to 4 p.m. A guided tour of cadet displays is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. The tour will begin at the library and continue to the Strom Thurmond Institute. Clemson Corps closes out the day with a flag-planting ceremony at the Scroll of Honor Memorial at 5 p.m. 

Events continue Friday, October 16, with Green Zone Training from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 201 Vickery Hall. The training is open to employees, faculty, staff, and students. Additional Scroll of Honor Memorial tours will take place during the same time. 

From 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Clemson Special Collections will host drop-in viewing of displays at the Strom Thurmond Institute honoring Clemson alumni and their military service. 

 

Twenty-four hours before kickoff, Pershing Rifles will begin guarding the Scroll of Honor Memorial. This year, Clemson will host General Gregory Guillot, a United States Air Force general and commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command. Guillot will participate in a campus tour led by ROTC cadets before delivering a leadership lecture. 

Saturday’s events begin at 8 a.m. with a military vehicle static display on Bowman Field. Pershing Rifles will conduct a flag-changing ceremony at the Scroll of Honor Memorial leading up to the Military Appreciation Tailgate hosted by Clemson Corps. 

A private Gold Star Family reception also will take place Saturday in Littlejohn Coliseum. Honorees will be recognized on the Memorial Stadium video board before kickoff. 

The week will conclude with the Tigers taking on Charleston Southern in Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 17. The game kicks off at noon and includes military recognition throughout the contest, including halftime with Tiger Band’s performance and traditional elements such as a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.” 

Visit the Clemson University website to learn more about Clemson’s rich military heritage.