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Last Updated: 01/21/2005
The Rockbridge Report is produced
under the supervision of the Dept. of Journalism and Mass Communications
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VMI cadets head to D.C. for inauguration parade By Nazo Burgy
VMI cadets pile into 25 buses headed to the inauguration early Thursday morning (VMI News Office). As the sun set and the temperature dropped below freezing the VMI Corps of cadets was on the parade deck practicing for the seventh time before the big day. And on Thursday, more than 1,000 of the 1,300 cadets traveled to Washington, D.C. to march in the Inaugural parade. “Little VMI actually outdid big military schools like West Point,” said Andrew Upshaw, a third year ranking cadet. VMI applied to participate in the parade and was selected before leaving for Christmas vacation. “That was an exciting day when we told them,” said Lt. Col. Stewart MacInnis, associate director of communications and marketing, “and it’s been exciting ever since.” Though the Corps faced frigid temperatures and possible snow showers, they were excited and honored to be participating. “This parade is a good thing for the school and an honor,” said Brad Bascope, a third year ranking cadet. “The whole world will be looking at us and it’s a good feeling to know we were selected.” While marching in the parade, all ranking cadets carry sabers while the rest carryrifles. Before the parade began, all of the rifles were to be checked by the Secret Service to make sure they are inoperable. VMI received special dispensation to be able to carry their sabers. VMI is no stranger to the Inaugural parade, however, as this year will be the institute’s 12th appearance in the parade. In addition to marching in the parade, the VMI Regimental Band appeared on Fox and Friends on Fox News Thursday morning. The band opened the show and played segue music into commercials throughout the two- hour show. Even though the cadets got to miss a day of school for the parade, they will have to make up the academic day on a Saturday. The 55th Inaugural parade included marching bands, police units and horse troops from all over the country. VMI was the largest unit marching in the parade. “We’ve worked hard to make sure there is ample representation from across America and believe the talent and efforts of all will ensure the 2005 Inaugural Parade reflects both the values and skill of our great nation,” said Greg Jenkins, Executive Director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, in a press release.
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