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2022 Memorial Parade
Morning clouds parted and the sun shone for the Memorial Parade, held the morning of Saturday, May 14, 2022. Before the parade, cadets read the names of the 591 VMI alumni who died on the field of honor, or from their wounds, defending our country, beginning with the Mexican-American War through the global war on terror. The team of four cadets reading the names included Christopher Hulburt ’22, valedictorian; Angelina Garcia ’25; Alexis Motko ’22; and Thomas Reagan ’25. Wreathes were laid in memory of the dead, one at the statue of Virginia Mourning Her Dead and one at each of the barracks’ arches. Col. Robert “Bob” Phillips ’87, chaplain, offered a prayer, followed by a three-volley salute and renditions of taps and “Amazing Grace” before the Corps marched down Letcher Avenue.
2022 Change of Command Parade
The Change of Command Parade was held May 14, 2022, at 2 p.m., as the 182nd Regiment handed over leadership of the Corps of Cadets to 183rd Regiment for the 2022-23 academic year.
It was the last parade for Kasey Meredith ’22, first female regimental commander in VMI history. Meredith, a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, majored in international studies with a minor in modern languages and cultures (Spanish). “It’s bittersweet,” said Meredith. “I’ve loved my time at VMI and as RCO, but it’s time to move on.” She commissioned into the Marine Corps May 15 and received her diploma the next day.
Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, conducted the Change of Command ceremony, as Meredith relinquished the guidon to Wins, who in turn presented it to Blake Smith ’23, incoming RCO, from Richmond, Virginia.
As RCO, Smith hopes to set an example, motivate his fellow cadets, and give them the best opportunities to be successful at VMI. “I love and value VMI and want to give back to the school that has given me so much. My main goal within this position is to enable all cadets to have the opportunity to be successful at VMI in all aspects of cadet life.” Smith went on to say he has been fortunate to have dealt with multiple groups and organizations within the Corps of Cadets and is motivated by his daily interaction with them. He plans to commission into the Marine Corps.
As the 183rd Regiment took command of the Corps of Cadets, the 182nd Regiment was relieved of its duty and commanded to, “Fall out!” to the cheers and applause of their fellow 1st Class graduating cadets, who were excused from marching in the parade, enjoying it seated in a place of honor.
Meredith; Noah Kirk ’22, 1st Class president; and John Delaney ’22, Honor Court president, joined Wins in taking review of the parade as the new regiment passed before them.
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