WKU Honors Veterans at Guthrie Tower Ceremony

Western Kentucky University marked Veterans Day with its annual wreath-laying at Guthrie Bell Tower, joined by alumni and ROTC members.

Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Military

A tall limestone bell tower rises above bare autumn oak trees on a quiet campus lawn, with a wreath at its base under soft overcast light. — Western Kentucky University held its annual Veterans Day wreath-laying at Guthrie Tower on November 11, with President Timothy Caboni speaking to veterans and active service members. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Western Kentucky University held its annual Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at Guthrie Tower on November 11 at 11 a.m. WKU President Timothy Caboni spoke and thanked veterans and active service members in attendance.

Why it matters

The ceremony, held at the same date and time for decades, marks what Veterans Day stands for and recognizes those who served. Bowling Green residents and the WKU community gathered to honor military service connected to the university.

Five active WKU ROTC members held two rifles and the United States, Kentucky and WKU flags during the ceremony. Guthrie Bell Tower honors 22 named individuals, including veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam, though attendance totals were not reported.

The players

Timothy Caboni

Timothy Caboni is the president of Western Kentucky University, who spoke at the ceremony and thanked veterans and active service members.

Ken Talley

Ken Talley is a WKU alumnus and veteran who attended the Veterans Day ceremony.

Brian Durbin

Brian Durbin is a WKU alumnus and veteran who attended the Veterans Day ceremony.

The details

Alumni who served in the military attended alongside faculty and staff, and the event involved several WKU departments beyond ROTC. The WKU Horticulture Department provided the wreath, decorated with red, white and blue flowers and a red bow, and the tower is named after 1st Sgt. Robert Guthrie, who was killed in the Korean War.

November 11, 2026, 11 a.m.: WKU wreath-laying ceremony at Guthrie Tower for Veterans Day.

Historical Context

The ceremony follows the November 11 Veterans Day observance that has been held at Guthrie Tower for decades. It continues that annual tradition by honoring the same veterans and military connections to the university.

Bowling Green residents can attend the annual November 11 ceremony at Guthrie Tower, held at 11 a.m. each year. The event is open to the public and recognizes veterans from the local campus community.

The takeaway

The annual ceremony at Guthrie Tower shows how a university can keep a long-standing tradition alive by bringing alumni, students and faculty together to honor those who served.