Class of ‘70, VMI

Just a reminder — If you have not done so…..
Make your room reservations for the Reunion ASAP — the Holiday Inn Express is almost out of our block of rooms.

See the post below for information and phone numbers.

The Corps of Cadets didn’t let a bottleneck at the entrance to the state Capitol that blocked their route for several minutes prevent them from marching past the reviewing stand to honor Gov. Bob McDonnell on his inauguration day, Jan. 16.The Corps was the largest and last unit in the parade that traveled down Grace Street in downtown Richmond, into Capitol Square, around the Capitol Building, and back out to waiting buses. The exit from Capitol Square of an earlier unit in the parade caused a several minute break in the parade before the cadets march into view.

Read the rest of the article on the VMI website here and while you are there, click on the slide show for some nice pictures.

Also, I received a nice picture from Dick Cheatham who was at the parade.

From VMI Communications and Marketing:

Cadets at Virginia Military Institute will honor Gov. Timothy Kaine Thursday, Jan.  14, when he visits the Institute in the final days of his term, and they will march in the inaugural parade of Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell on the first day of his term on Saturday, Jan. 16.

“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Corps of Cadets, the Governor of Virginia has a special relationship with VMI,” said Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III, VMI’s superintendent.  “For us to be able to honor two governors within one week is unique and satisfying.” Gov. Kaine is scheduled to attend a ceremony at VMI at 4 p.m. on Jan. 14.  If conditions are favorable, the Corps of Cadets will march in review for the governor on the Institute’s Parade Ground. If conditions are not favorable, a ceremony will be held in Jackson Memorial Hall. (Note:  Parade cancelled — ‘unsuitable conditions’)

On Jan. 16, the Corps of Cadets will travel to Richmond to participate in the inaugural parade for Gov.-elect McDonnell.  The parade, which begins at about 12:45 p.m. following the swearing-in ceremony, passes in front of reviewing stands at the State Capitol Building.  Viewing of the parade is available along its entire length.  The parade route is along Grace Street between 5th and 9th Streets and then enters Capitol Square.

Webmaster’s Note: I’ll admit it has been a few semesters, but I remember starting up around Belvidere St. in that park — quite a bit further. Fifth to Ninth is only four blocks — march in battalion and you’ll cover half the route!