Vice president's visit a hit at VMI
Vice President Dick Cheney praised Virginia Military Institute’s “traditions of honor, discipline, character and self-reliance” Saturday as part of the school’s commemoration of Military Appreciation Day.
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| Vice President Cheney addresses a large crowd Saturday on the Virginia Military Institute campus. (LAURA SANDERS/ Rockbridge Report) |
A 19-gun salute — traditional for deputy heads of state — greeted the vice president as he strode onto VMI’s sunlit parade ground to review the marching cadet corps and address a crowd estimated at 3,000.
“This is the biggest parade we’ve ever had here,” said Cadet Thomas Saunders.
Cheney began his remarks by praising VMI, noting that the Institute’s “traditions of honor, discipline, character and self-reliance are legendary and unshakeable” and commending its “immense contribution in defense of the nation.”
The vice president also acknowledged VMI’s sacrifice in the current war on terror. Eleven VMI alumni have lost their lives in the war. More than 1,200 VMI alumni have served or are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
“In the struggle at hand, the stakes remain high, but I am confident of the outcome,” Cheney said. “Those who hate America are no match for those who love America.”
Cheney also said that he hoped for a smooth transition from the current administration to the administration of President-elect Barack Obama.
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| Cheney watches a VMI cadet parade following his speech. (LAURA SANDERS /Rockbridge Report) |
The crowd interrupted Cheney with cheers and applause several times during his brief address.
“When we get people to come for parades they usually don’t speak much at all, so his seven- or eight-minute speech was definitely a pleasure,” said First Classman Alexander Snyder. Snyder, a member of VMI’s regiment staff, spoke to the vice president and shook his hand after the parade.
“It’s a unique opportunity that not every college student gets and not even every VMI cadet gets,” Snyder said. “He was encouraged by our performance, and he was happy that he had a warm welcome.”
Cheney served as Secretary of Defense under President George H. W. Bush and White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald R. Ford. He is regarded by many as the most influential and powerful vice president in U.S. history.
Saturday’s Military Appreciation Day marked the third time Cheney has visited VMI. He spoke in both 1993 and 1996.
VMI continued its Military Appreciation Day events at a football game Saturday afternoon. A flyover of a B2 bomber preceded the game, and the U.S. Army Silent Drill Team performed during halftime.
Snyder, a first classman, has marched in a parade every home football weekend for the past four years.
“This definitely is the trump,” he said with a smile. “This definitely is the No. 1.”
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