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Parades
Parades bring people together with purpose. They blend pageantry, music, and disciplined movement to honor moments of pride, remembrance, and celebration — across the Commonwealth and on post at Virginia Military Institute.
The Corps of Cadets conducts a dress parade most Friday afternoons, some Saturday mornings, and for special occasions when VMI is in session.
During the parade, typically 45-minutes, the cadet regiment conducts rifle drills according to the U.S. Army standards, reports to the reviewing officer, receives orders and marches in review past the audience and the reviewing officer. VMI also honors guests as well as staff from across post by inviting them to join the review during various times throughout the year.
Parades at VMI showcase the professionalism of the cadets, their military precision, and their continuation of the traditions that define the Institute, and are one of the most popular times to visit post and see what VMI has to offer.
Upcoming Parades
These include parades off post, such as holiday events.
Parade Types
The Corps of Cadets, or sometimes a smaller contingent, participate in a number of different parades depending on the time of year:
On most Fridays the Corps marches the standard Review Parade. For these standard parades, the Corps marches in review for either the Superintendent or reviewing Officer of the day.
During the winter season, the parades switch from the Review Parade to a shorter version known as a Retreat Parade.
The VMI Corps of Cadets commemorates Founders Day each year, marking the importance of the birth of the nation's oldest state-supported military college November 11, 1839, with a parade and 17-gun salute to honor VMI’s founders and the nation’s veterans.
The date of celebration can shift so visitors planning to attend should review the calendar and Founders Day page each year for more details.
A smaller group of VMI cadets march in the annual Christmas Parade on Main Street in downtown Lexington as well as the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade down Broad Street in Richmond each year. The performances of the Regimental Band and VMI Pipes & Drums are a highlight for attendees at both events.
Attendees should review VMI's public calendar each year for notice of the Institute's participation each year and event details.
The VMI Corps of Cadets has been invited at various times in the school's history to march in inaugural parades for US presidents.
The Corps marched in their first parade in March 1909, when they departed Lexington, Virginia on a special seven-car train to take part in the inauguration of William Howard Taft.
Photographs and more information are available in an online exhibit from the VMI Archives.
The VMI Corps of Cadets marches in inaugural parades for Virginia governors, presenting an impressive display as often the largest contingent to march across Capitol Square in Richmond.
Reflecting the great honor of their participation, cadets have at times returned early from Winter Furlough to be prepared for the occasion.
In 2026, local news crews came to post to see the Corps in action and speak with cadets about the event and their practices:
The Memorial Parade commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of all VMI alumni who died on the field of honor.
Prior to the parade, attendees reflect on the service and sacrifice as names of the fallen are read.
Before graduation, cadets participate in the Change of Command Parade, with the outgoing regimental commander passing the regimental colors to the superintendent, who hands them to the incoming regimental commander.
The graduating class takes seats as honored audience members, and can be heard across post celebrating as they take yet another step towards the completion of their cadetships prior to their Commencement ceremony.