Cougar football fans can expect the return of a favorite tradition this weekend at the first home game of the year.

The Cougar touchdown cannon is returning, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Associated Students of Washington State U. (ASWSU), Facilities Operations, WSU Army ROTC and the Washington Army National Guard.

Members of the National Guard will fire a 75mm Howitzer Cannon from the roof of the Holland Terrell Library after the national anthem and during each consecutive touchdown scored by WSU. It is one of three 75mm Howitzer Cannons in the state of Washington and served during World War II in the Philippines and Guadalcanal.

Historically, the cannon was fired from the Compton Union Building but was transported back to the west side of the state in 2006 during CUB construction, said Nicholas Stuart, officer recruiter and first lieutenant for the National Guard.

The touchdown cannon weighs in at more than 800 pounds and will need to be transported from Camp Murray in four 200-pound pieces, ASWSU President Jake Bredstrand said in an interview on Friday.

Stuart said it was not until Joshua Meyer, ASWSU vice president, called him that people began working to bring the cannon back to WSU.

WSU Army ROTC Operations Officer William Cooper said one of the contributing factors to the lack of the cannon’s return was the deployment of U.S. forces overseas.

“After 9/11, this stuff became secondary,” Cooper said.

He said the cannon is under the ownership and operation of the 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery, part of the 81st Brigade Combat.

The Washington Army National Guard is also sponsoring this weekend’s football game, which will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Martin Stadium against Montana State University.

Bredstrand said he discussed the idea of bringing back the cannon with Bill Moos, WSU director of athletics, in July and gained his support.

“ROTC traditionally operated the cannon and left it here. That’s something we’re trying to bring back,” Cooper said.

He said they have been considering multiple locations to store the cannon, including the WSU Police Department and the Pullman Armory located on East Main Street.

“Our biggest concern is consistency,” Bredstrand said.

He said they want the cannon to be present at all home games, and ASWSU has also been in contact with Facilities Operations about how to keep the cannon clean and in Pullman.

Cooper said the return of the cannon has brought support from WSU faculty, students and alumni.

“We have had nothing but positive support, interest and feedback,” he said.

He also mentioned the significance of debuting the cannon on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“It should be a reminder,” he said. “The people who have been traditionally bringing this thing up have been at war.” The gun will be operated entirely by members of the National Guard, Stuart said. If the cannon continues to be used, they hope to train ROTC members to operate the cannon in the future.