Indiana University Honors Military Service Through Traditions and Archives
From campus landmarks to a historic registry, the university maintains a deep commitment to recognizing those who have served.
Outside Indiana University's Memorial Stadium, anti-aircraft guns and a mast from the USS Indiana serve as enduring tributes to the state's military personnel. This connection between athletics and military appreciation is a notable aspect of campus life at Indiana University in Bloomington.
Beyond these visible landmarks, the university maintains a profound commitment to honoring military service through its historical archives and student support systems. Vasiliios Koultourides, a senior and member of the Indiana National Guard, highlighted the university's respect for military personnel, stating, "IU definitely has an upper echelon of military history, and they do really treat their military personnel with a lot of respect. They do really care about us."
The university's dedication is prominently showcased in the Memorial Student Union through the Golden Book. This historic registry, dating back to 1898, meticulously documents the military service of individuals with ties to Indiana University. Originally initiated by the Indiana Daily Student to record service in the Spanish-American War, the effort expanded to include veterans from earlier conflicts. The book now contains 152 pages detailing service in wars ranging from the War of 1812 to World War II.
In 2016, Indiana University launched a digital version of the Golden Book, which now lists over 25,000 names. Students like Zainab Diouf, also a member of the Indiana National Guard, express admiration for this unique record, calling it "the coolest thing ever" and "such a cool thing."
Koultourides recalled his own experience seeing the Golden Book as a high school student touring the campus. He described it as a "little chapel" that profoundly impacted him, appreciating the in-depth records and the assurance that service members "will forever be there and remembered."
Indiana University also provides comprehensive support for its veteran and military-connected students through the Center for Veterans and Military Students. This center offers assistance with benefits, funding, scholarships, and career guidance. Koultourides described the center as an "awesome" space for students to study and connect with peers who share similar experiences.
Military involvement is also a visible part of Indiana's athletic events. Many teams host "Salute to Service" games annually, and military students and veterans participate in various capacities, including color guard duties and assisting cheerleaders. During football games, ROTC members are present on the field, and military students perform pushups after touchdowns and fire off a cannon. This integration underscores the university's appreciation for their service.
"We just have such a big military-oriented culture here," one student noted. "I feel like IU just really loves its veterans and its veteran students and allows us to be students while understanding our service."
This sentiment of gratitude is reciprocated by the students who have served. "It's a really nice experience for all of us to really have the opportunity (to be a part of IU's athletic culture)," Koultourides said. "And it shows how thankful they are for what we do for the community and for everyone who serves."