2022 LSU Gumbo - Book - Page 155
LSU reopened Memorial Tower after a ceremony
conducted by the LSU Ole War Skule and ROTC.
Visitors can now visit the William A. Brookshire
military museum within the tower.
Memorial Tower closed in 2018 to begin a
complete remodeling of the interior and the creation
of a museum meant to display a history of LSU’s
relationship to the military. The museum contains
memorabilia dating back to 1860, when the university
was founded as a military academy.
The ceremony included speeches from Gov. John
Bel Edwards and LSU President William F. Tate IV, as
well as live military music and videos. People involved
in the museum’s financing and construction were
recognized and military veterans were honored.
“This university has always been a special place
for the military,” Edwards said. “LSU remains deeply
rooted in the tradition of other great military schools,
building off the foundation of strong academic
emphasis and a rich military program.”
The ceremony opened with a helicopter flyover and
the Pershing Rifles Color Guard and the singing of the
National Anthem by the LSU wind ensemble.
Corey Bates, national vice commander of the
American Legion, spoke on the significance of
Memorial Tower to the legion, which raised the funds
for its initial construction in 1923.
“Memorial tower is a shining example of the
American Legion’s and LSU’s shared and sacred
commitment to honor and remember the men and
women who gave up all of their tomorrows so that we
may have this day together,” Bates said.
Memorial Tower was built after World War I to
honor Louisianans who died in the war.
Tate spoke about the significance of Memorial
Tower and thanked the donors and construction team
who helped make the museum possible.
“This exciting moment marks the re-opening of
an iconic part of our campus, Memorial Tower, and
an opportunity to honor LSU’s rich military history,
heritage and legacy today and for many years to come,”
Tate said.
He honored the legacy of the late William
Brookshire, for whom the museum is named.
Brookshire earned a P.h.D at LSU and founded S&B
Engineers and Constructors. Brookshire provided a
great deal of philanthropic support over the course of
his life. The Brookshire family was in attendance and
his daughter gave a short speech.
Actors portraying William Tecumseh Sherman,
David and Thomas Boyd, and Governor Huey P.
Long provided a history of LSU, beginning with its
formation and leading up to Long’s support for the
school in the 1930s.
The ceremony concluded with live music by
LSU’s marching band, followed by a ribbon cutting,
formally opening the museum to the public. Those
in attendance were allowed to go inside and tour the
exhibits afterward.
Photos by Matthew Perschall
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