LEXINGTON, Va. Dec. 15, 2025 — One of the many things Virginia Military Institute cadets are renowned for are their selfless acts of service, even when it is not convenient. That was made evident during the most stressful and demanding time of fall semester, exam week.

The Building BRIDGES Club at VMI supported the local nonprofit, Remembering Rockbridge Veterans, in participating in National Wreaths Across America Day, Dec. 13.

Fourteen cadets laid wreaths on veterans’ headstones at Evergreen Cemetery. During the solemn ceremony, Capt. Eli Facemire ’19, associate chaplain to the Corps of Cadets, delivered the invocation; Col. Ley Havird ’90, commandant, provided remarks; and Ben Bowen ’26 Pipe Band major, offered a rendition of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipe.

Col. Valentina Dimitrova-Grajzl, faculty co-advisor for Building BRIDGES, also in attendance, was moved the cadets chose to participate on their last Saturday before winter furlough.

“I am glad cadets could take part in this event to honor and remember our veterans, and to reflect on the sacrifices they made to defend our freedoms.”   

Nationally, the Wreaths Across America activity incorporated two million volunteers at more than 5,200 locations in all 50 states, remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the value of freedom.

The evening before, the Building BRIDGES Club; Preston Library; the Office of Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion; and the cadet art group sponsored a holiday card-making event at the post exchange. A large crowd of cadets gathered for hot apple cider, s’mores, and to create and personalize greeting cards for veterans, senior community residents, and others in need of some extra seasonal cheer.

Sean Daffron ’26, along with his roommates, attended to share in the holiday merriment. He revealed his own grandparents recently moved into an assisted living center.

“I know how hard it is to be away from family, especially during the holidays. I’m hoping these cards can make the recipients’ days more cheerful, even if it’s just a little.”

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE