Annual New Market Parade & Ceremony
Virginia Military Institute Letcher Avenue, Lexington, Virginia 24450
The annual New Market Ceremony and Review commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the Cadets called to the battle at New Market in 1864 - forty-seven wounded, and ten who died on the field of honor- and to all of the Institute's alumni who have served our nation. The ceremony and parade is held on Post at VMI.
Order of the Ceremony
The Ceremonial Formation: The Corps of Cadets will march from Barracks to the parade ground, forming two battalions centered on "Virginia Mourning Her Dead," the monument given to the Institute in memory of the New Market Cadets.
The Roll Call: The ceremony begins with the historic roll call of the ten cadets who died in the Battle, each name called by the Commander of the Company in which the New Market Cadet served. In response to each name called, a cadet appointed for the ceremony gives the traditional reply "Died on the field of honor." The Regimental Commander then gives the full report to the Commandant.
The Ceremony and Review: Floral tributes are laid at the monument and head stones of the ten cadets memorialized here, the Chaplain recites the New Market Prayer, and a 3 volley salute is fired. After the gun salute is an echo rendition of Taps, the playing of Amazing Grace, followed by the eyes-right salute to the Commandant as the Corps of Cadets marches from the parade ground, along Letcher Avenue, passing in front of the monument.