VMI Memorial Parade 2026

As promised, we had reserved seating at the center of the action between Preston Library in the background and the Virginia Mourning Her Dead monument, which was the centerpiece for the memorial service. Even better, the bus had permission to pass through the gates to deliver us right to the location.

Moses Ezekiel created the monument to honor the ten cadets who died in the Battle of New Market in 1864. Ezekiel was the first Jewish cadet at VMI and a member of the color guard at New Market during the battle.

In recent years controversy has swirled around VMI as well as Ezekiel. I won't get into that. It was enough to participate in  this celebration of heroic tradition.

Prior to the parade, the names of the 591 VMI graduates who have fallen in battles from the Spanish-American war to the Global War on Terrorism are read to the accompaniment of a steady drum beat. The roll call took a long time.

Flags honoring individual graduates who died in battle adorned the light standards around the parade ground.

Although ROTC participation of all cadets is required for all four years, not all enter into the military upon graduation. Historically about 50% are commissioned upon graduation and around 20% make the military their career.

One of the notable attendees was Brigadier General (honorary) CAVU shown here with his handler, Chaplain Colonel Casper. He was a very welcoming dog with a wagging tail.

General CAVU was not the only canine at the parade. This lovely lady carried her toy wherever she went. Our Koko would have destroyed that stuffed lamb in about two minutes.

Of all VMI graduates, I nominate George C. Marshall as the most distinguished and influential. His foundation is located at VMI.

After the memorial roll call, the Corps of Cadets marched onto the parade led by the Regimental Band and the Pipe Band.

Once everyone is in position, an honor guard places memorial wreathes at the Virginia Mourning Her Dead memorial and at the Barracks arches displaying plaques with the names of those who died in battle.

After the wreathes are placed, a three volley salute is fired, the pipe band plays Amazing Grace, and two echoing buglers play Taps. Spectators were asked to stand and salute during this part of the ceremony.

The three-gun salute was right beside us and we almost jumped out of our skins! 

The flags are at half-staff in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

The Pipe Band tartan is the unique New Market tartan created especially for VMI.

One bugler was on the parade ground. The other was located on the library fire escape. Taps, always a haunting tune, was even more stirring as a call-and-response.

A medic is also positioned on the fire escape to monitor the crowd below.

After the tribute, the Commandant, Col. Lawrence Havird commanded the Corps to march in review.

The intermingled regimental band and pipe band led the other companies.

The bass drummer in the pipe band wears a leopard skin (artificial, I'm sure). This tradition dates back to the 18th century.

The bass drumbeats echoed back from the encircling barracks for an impressive impact.

As the procession passes the Commandant, the color guard executes the command "eyes right" and dips the state and VMI flags in salute.

Spectators stood for the passing of the flag.

Many senior cadets marched in their stocking feet to honor the cadets at New Market. Many of those cadets lost their shoes in the deep mud of the battlefield.

As the Corps left the parade ground, black shoes were scattered here and there. It is optional for the seniors to shed their shoes, but none but seniors may do so.

When I went out to get a picture of the shoes I saw the yellow dye marks where the various battalions were to stand. No wonder they were so regular!

Once the crowds thinned, our bus came in to pick us up. Jim and I agreed we will go again next year given the opportunity.