LEXINGTON, Va. Sept. 19, 2025 — Virginia Military Institute hosted a Virginia 250 Commission (VA250) Constitution Day event, “To Support & Defend,” honoring the 250^th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, Sept. 17 in Cameron Hall. The patriotic program included music performed by the VMI Regimental Band, and 1^st Class cadets commissioning into the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard were seated in a place of honor, recognizing their commitment to serving in the armed forces.  

Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, VMI’s 16^th superintendent, made his first public appearance at the event.

After welcoming the assembly, Furness remarked that the 250^th anniversary provides an opportunity to educate, engage, and inspire Virginia students about American history, values, and beliefs. “More specifically we turn our focus to three resolutions that were officially signed by the Continental Congress in the year 1775 shortly after the ‘shot heard round the world’ at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. As our fledgling nation fought for freedom, the first citizen-soldiers officially joined the fight. VMI was founded on this tradition, and we continue to graduate citizen-soldiers who embrace a high sense of public service.” 

Col. Joe Hansen, commanding officer of the Army ROTC; Col. Ryan Finn, commanding officer of the Naval ROTC; and Cmdr. James Sullen, executive officer of the Naval ROTC; read aloud the U.S. Armed Forces Oath of Commissioned Officers. 

A surprise appearance was made by Gen. George Washington, portrayed by Ron Carnegie from Colonial Williamsburg. Washington addressed the commissioning cadets, thanking them for being the next generation to whom the torch is passed, and honored the passing of the torch with an exchange of a newly minted challenge coin. “With humble gratitude to you here present and with the same gratitude to your fellow United States servicemen and women around the globe, the call is answered. The nation is served generation after generation, the challenge is met. But this simple and cherished act is more than the sharing of a coin, a handshake, or the possibility of a future well-earned beverage. It is the sharing of knowledge through the centuries, the sharing of an unbreakable bond, dedication to service, and the sharing of mutual respect between the generations.” He then ordered the exchange of the coins, which commissioning 1st Class cadets received.

Cheryl Wilson, executive director of VA250, was struck with the significance of holding the event at VMI. “We gathered here today on Constitution Day at one of Virginia’s finest institutions, with the entire Corps of Cadets assembled. We were able to honor all three service branches: the Army, the Marine Corps and the Navy, all established 250 years ago, before the Declaration of Independence, and before the Revolutionary War. Many of these cadets will one day raise their hand and swear to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is fitting to be here.”

Established by the General Assembly in 2020, VA250 serves to commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the Independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Information about VA250 may be found at va250.org.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE