Bowling Green Commemorates Veterans Day with Wreath-Laying Ceremony and ROTC Hall of Fame Induction

Bowling Green Honors Veterans with Special Ceremony

On a crisp November morning, the city of Bowling Green was filled with a sense of pride and remembrance as Western Kentucky University (WKU) held its annual wreath-laying ceremony for Veterans Day. The event took place at the historic Guthrie Bell Tower, gathering more than 50 attendees who came together to honor our nation’s heroes.

Remembering the Cost of Freedom

WKU President Timothy Caboni addressed the crowd with heartfelt words about the significance of the day. He reminded everyone that “this day provides us with an important opportunity to reflect on the costs and the blessings of liberty.” President Caboni emphasized the bravery of servicemen and women who stand firm to protect our freedom in the face of adversity, danger, and uncertainty.

Induction into the ROTC Hall of Fame

Following the ceremony at the bell tower, the festivities continued as WKU hosted the induction of two distinguished alumni into the ROTC Hall of Fame—Col. Taylor Chasteen and the late Capt. Ralph Shrewsbury Jr.. The event took place at Diddle Arena’s Stansbury Concourse and featured heartfelt speeches that celebrated the lives and service of these remarkable individuals.

Col. Chasteen, who graduated from WKU in 1981, shared his inspiring journey in military service. He became part of the prestigious 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.” His dedication to serving his country included a deployment to Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield in 1990. He played a vital role in what would become known as history’s largest Air Assault Operation during the initial land assault of Desert Storm.

Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation

Addressing the current WKU ROTC corps of cadets, Col. Chasteen shared valuable advice, acknowledging that each cadet will follow a unique path in life. He emphasized, “Your family’s association and this institution have given you a foundation and some tools.” Chasteen encouraged the young cadets to embrace challenges, highlighting that moments of confusion and volatility will arise, and they must strive to provide “intelligent and steady leadership.”

A Tribute to Capt. Ralph Shrewsbury Jr.

The ceremony also paid tribute to Capt. Ralph Shrewsbury Jr., a WKU graduate from the Class of 1942. Shrewsbury heroically led a platoon during the D-Day invasion at Normandy in 1944. When a counterattack forced him and his men to surrender, Shrewsbury, lacking the means to resist, made the difficult decision to surrender. However, he later proved his resilience by escaping captivity during a prisoner of war train ride to Germany, evading capture for 16 days before returning to friendly lines.

His grandson, Kyle Shrewsbury, shared touching memories of his grandfather, reflecting on his selflessness and dedication to family. “Everything granddad did was for his family, whether it be kids, grandkids, his own brothers— which there were a lot of …” Kyle reminisced. “He always wanted to put them first and him last.”

A Day of Reflection and Honor

The day’s events served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the name of freedom. Through wreaths laid at the bell tower and the heartfelt stories shared, the community came together to celebrate the spirit of service and honor the legacy of those who have served.

As the sun began to set, the energy of the day lingered in the air, reinforcing the deep appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to the protection of our nation. Veterans Day is more than a holiday; it’s an opportunity to acknowledge the past, embrace the present, and recognize the ongoing contributions of our veterans.