Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

Page 33 text:

)verlooking the parade ground as it did for many years, the guard tree as it looked in he I920 ' s. lie Lejeune years had revolu- ionized the VMI system. At the ame time, the Corps seems to ;ave respected and admired General Lejeune as a man. In act, the Class of 1933 made lim an honorary member of heir class. At ring figure, General Lejeune started a new radition by kissing his wife as he presented him with his ing. A tradition that has lived n. Even when he left, General -ejeune broke precedent by aitiating a joint change of ommand ceremony. It was no ' me to ponder these changes, owever. By this time it was lear that war was coming. AnniversanV 29

Page 32 text:

+ Explaining the tradition of the guard tre his son, this alumnus and his son sti the guard tree monument, dedicated in; 1950 ' s. VK JfP. iin n IT i: iiiiii II Removing an Institute landmark, workmen prepare to remove the last section of the trees trunk. 1 28 Anniversary

Page 34 text:

Even the VMI centennial cele- bration of 1939 was over- shadowed by the war that was beginning in Europe. President Roosevelt, who had planned to come down for the celebration was forced to cancel his visit due to the invasion of Poland by Germany earlier in the Fall. He did, however, speak to the Corps by radio from Washing- ton stressing the concept of the Citizen-Soldier being ready to help his nation in times of trou- ble. Despite the problems, the centennial was a success by all accounts. Two thousand guests were seated on the parade ground as Governor of the Commonwealth Price dedicated Preston L ibrary. Though few may have realized it at the time, most everyone sensed that America would soon be at war and with it would be VMI. Located in barracks, the first library ' was located in rooms above Jackson Arch. 30 Anniversan, '