LEXINGTON, Va. Jan. 19, 2026 — In keeping with tradition, Virginia Military Institute took part in the inauguration of the 75^th governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, in Richmond Jan. 17. The theme of the inauguration was “United for Virginia’s Future.” As governor, Spanberger becomes the first female commander in chief of the VMI Corps of Cadets.

While snow flurried before sunrise on the 17^th, 28 buses loaded with cadets, uniforms, weapons, and musical instruments, pulled away from VMI and headed to the state capital. A small group of cadets served as ushers for the swearing-in ceremony at noon. The parade immediately followed.

The Corps appeared as the second group in the line-up, and captivated the large group of spectators gathered along Capitol Square, as they marched with precision and polish. The Regimental Band played “The Spirit,” VMI’s fight song, then completed a musical handoff to the Pipe Band who played “Shenandoah,” a song closely associated with VMI.

As the cadets passed Spanberger, the command of “eyes right” was given, instructing the cadets to turn their heads and eyes 45 degrees to the right as a ceremonial salute to the governor. Further back in the procession, VMI’s mascot, Moe the kangaroo, charmed the crowd when he appeared with 11 other Virginia public university mascots.

To prepare for the flawless presentation VMI is renowned for, the Corps returned three days early from winter furlough to visit the post barber shop for needed trims, inspect uniforms, distribute rifles and sabers, rehearse music, and carry out practice parades. During those practices, cadets made multiple circuits down Letcher Avenue, across the Parade Ground, and back up to barracks. They rehearsed their “eyes right” to the George C. Marshall Statue.  

Regimental Commander Devin Auzenne ’26 shared it was a privilege to lead the cadets in the parade.

“It is fulfilling to prepare the Corps, then experience the well-executed performance, and knowing the entire commonwealth was able to witness it. Participating in the parade is a representation not only of the Institute’s values, such as peaceful transition of power and support of the newly elected commander in chief, but also a reminder that the Institute is staying true to its promise of developing leaders of character that go on to serve the commonwealth and nation after graduation.”  

Commandant of Cadets Col. Lawrence Havird ’90, who accompanied the Corps to the inauguration, said the cadets were honored to participate in the transition of governance from Gov. Glenn Youngkin to Spanberger.

“The Corps of Cadets took pride in the opportunity to showcase its military precision and discipline to their new commander in chief. We look forward to Governor Spanberger visiting post sometime soon so she can see first-hand how the VMI mission benefits the Commonwealth of Virginia and why the Institute is such a special place.”

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE