From the day it opened its doors in 1860, Louisiana State University has been influenced by its military tradition. For more than a century, LSU has produced a continuing line, the Long Purple Line, of military men and women who have greatly influenced United States military history as well as the military history of LSU.
This heritage can be seen in Memorial Oak Grove and the 175-foot Memorial Tower honoring all Louisiana citizens killed in World War I. It is reflected in the LSU War Memorial and the Wall of Honor listing the names of those who died serving our country in World War II and all subsequent wars.
This heritage also lives on in the tradition of LSU's Tiger mascot, a remembrance of Wheat's Tigers (a Louisiana unit that distinguished itself during the Civil War).
LSU's history is steeped in military tradition.
While no one is certain how LSU acquired the title “Ole War Skule,” a more appropriate name is hard to imagine. General William Tecumseh Sherman, the first superintendent of the Louisiana State Seminary, is believed to have given LSU the nickname.
The Long Purple Line is synonymous with LSU’s rich military history and legacy. The University boasts a long, proud history of educating leaders for the state, the nation and the world. Among its alumni are CEOs of business, industry, government and education; celebrated artists and distinguished politicians; religious leaders and prominent philanthropists.
LSU alumni are also counted among chief military leaders in the United States armed forces and are some of the country’s most highly decorated heroes. Many of these men and women were members of the LSU Corps of Cadets. It was here they became part of the Long Purple Line.
The LSU ROTC program fosters the University’s first and oldest student organization and its oldest tradition – the military heritage that has been part of the institution since its beginning. For a number of years, the campus was housed on the former military post located on the banks of the Mississippi River (now the Louisiana State Capitol grounds).
Since the University’s establishment in 1860, the LSU Corps of Cadets has undergone many changes. What was once compulsory training for all male LSU students was eventually transformed into a two-year mandatory ROTC commitment for incoming freshmen. Upon completion of the two-year commitment, Cadets could apply for an advanced ROTC program qualifying them to receive an officer’s commission upon graduation.
Prior to 1969, the LSU Corps of Cadets numbered over 3,000 and was one of the top programs in the nation. In response to public reactions to the Vietnam War experience in the 1960s, the LSU Board of Supervisors changed the ROTC program to “all voluntary.” Enrollment decreased significantly after 1969, but in recent years both the Army and Air Force have experienced increases in the number of students joining their programs. While LSU does not have a Naval ROTC program, many students participate in the Naval ROTC program partnered with Southern University and are considered part of the LSU Corps of Cadets.
In 1955, a group of former cadets who had begun their LSU experience on the old campus, officially organized “Cadets of the Ole War Skule.” The membership was limited to only those who had begun their LSU military experience on the old campus. Their annual meeting on Homecoming Day encouraged and supported participation with the LSU Corps of Cadets. The organization also recognizes and supports the unique contributions of Cadets and Midshipmen to the campus and in their local communities. Through the years, natural attrition led to a decline in membership.
In 1995, at the urging of then-Chancellor William E. “Bud” Davis, the organization was reestablished to include LSU alumni who were in ROTC and served in the nation’s military. Since that time, membership has been expanded to include all LSU alumni and others who have served in the armed forces of the United States of America. Membership is also open to those who may not have served but who support the military and also support the LSU Corps of Cadets.
Cadets of the Ole War School strives to preserve and strengthen a spirit of camaraderie among its members, to foster and perpetuate patriotism, to strengthen a sense of individual allegiance to LSU and to promote public awareness of the value of LSU’s military contributions – past, present and future.
The LSU War Memorial was dedicated in October 1998 in a ceremony that featured former President George H. W. Bush and an audience of thousands.
The memorial was the vision of two 1942 military alumni, COL Joseph Dale and John Capdevielle. They wanted to commemorate the lives and service of all who had represented LSU in the armed forces in World War II and all conflicts thereafter. With the support of then - Chancellor William E. "Bud" Davis and the leadership of the LSU Alumni Association, the Commission began its work.
The Laborde brothers, John and Lucien, co-chaired the LSU War Memorial Commission organized in 1995 to raise the funds, plan the project and oversee construction.
Each of the 30 magnificent live oak trees in Memorial Oak Grove, located just south of the LSU Student Union, were dedicated in 1926 to fallen LSU alumni who had given their lives in service to the United States of America in World War I.
One tree is dedicated to “The Unknown,” representing those missing in action but remembered for their valor.
There are numerous words, phrases and terms linked to LSU and its military history. Each of these has great significance in helping the public better understand how everything that is part of LSU’s military history and legacy has enabled us to develop into the highly ranked and academically respected public university that we have become.