Cal Poly ROTC to Host Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
May 20, 2025
SAN LUIS OBISPO — The Center for Military-Connected Students, in partnership with the Cal Poly ROTC, is hosting a wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the military who gave their lives in service to their country. The ceremony, which is open to the public, will be held at 8: 30 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at the Cal Poly War Memorial in the University Union War Memorial Plaza.
The Cal Poly War Memorial, first unveiled in 1946 and rededicated in 2001, is located at the corner of Perimeter Road and Grand Avenue, between the University Union and Building 1 on the Cal Poly campus. The program will include a presentation by the
Cal Poly Color Guard, remarks by university leadership including guest speaker Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management Terrance Harris, the playing of “Taps,” and a moment of silence.
The wreath laying ceremony is a solemn and time-honored tradition that commemorates those who have died in service to their country. The act of laying a wreath serves as a gesture of honor and reflection, often conducted at memorials or gravesites to ensure their legacy is never forgotten. “Laying a wreath is more than a tradition, it’s a moment of reverence, gratitude and remembrance,” said LTC Mark Swiney, chair of the Military Science Department. “It honors the selfless service of those who gave their lives for our country and reminds us that their sacrifice continues to shape the freedoms we live by today. This ceremony is upheld to ensure their legacy endures through reflection, respect and action.”
About Cal Poly’s Military Science Department
The mission of the Cal Poly Military Science Department is to commission the future officer leadership of the U.S. Army and motivate young people to become better citizens. Cal Poly’s program began in the early 1950’s and has commissioned more than 1,300 Officers into the United States Army, Army Reserve and National Guard. The program remains one of the top Army ROTC units in the nation with Cadets routinely receiving above average marks at the regional and national levels.
About Cal Poly’s Center for Military-Connected Students
The Center for Military-Connected Students at Cal Poly supports the success and well-being of student veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and military-affiliated family members. The center provides resources, advocacy, and a welcoming community to help military-connected students thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
About Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, comprehensive polytechnic university. The university’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences is comprised of expert faculty members who take pride in their ability to transform academically motivated students into innovative professionals ready to solve the complex challenges associated with feeding the world in sustainable ways. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, including organic and conventional crop land, orchards, vineyards, forests, and rangeland, all of which provide the basis for Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing methodology. It is the fifth-largest college of agriculture in the country with more than 4,100 undergraduate students. For more information visit CAFES.calpoly.edu.
Contact: AnnMarie Cornejo 805-756-2427; ancornej@calpoly.edu