Valley Forge Military Academy - Crossed Sabres Yearbook (Wayne, PA)

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To the beat of muttled and draped drums, the Corps of Cadets marches into the Alumni Chapel to pay last respects to the late President John F. Kennedy. John Fitzgerald Kennedy 1917 - 1964 '59ixC.,la.,! . mv' -1 1 r igtyi AM, ff- or Arr, , rw. 455 , Flanked by l864 cannon, the VFMA Corps of Cadets stands at Present Arms at Gettysburg National Cemetery. Regimental Staft and Band precede Corps of Cadets in Parade at Gettysburg. 20 ,.,- A, A on

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Final Briefing for Ambush Party by Captain Murphy during Military Sci- ence Field Training exercises. On the 26th, the Academy Band once again enter- tained the guests at the 1963 Harrisburg Horse Show with its always impressive performance of musical splendor and precision marching - something we take too much for granted throughout our Cadet years. Thirteen Cadets ot the First and Second classes were formally inducted into the National Honor So- ciety on Tuesday, October 27, at Chapel Vespers. President David A. Knecht administered the Society's oath to the new inductees and an appropriate talk was given by the guest speaker, General Medenbach. Recognition! At ten o'clock on the morning of November 2, the Corps ot Cadets assembled on the Main Area tor the Recognition Parade. In the pres- ence of General Baker and General Medenbach, Colonel Allen read the General Orders compliment- ing the New Cadets tor their performance and ac- complishments during the preceeding two months. The companies then moved oft to their respective company areas where each Old Cadet expressed his congratulations to each New Cadet in his company. This was a big day for the New Cadets, tor pilebe heckling, with all of its squaring, wrinkles, and sound-offs, was over. Cadets George Hanscom and David Knecht rep- resented the Valley Forge Company ot the A,U.S.A. at the national convention in Washington, October Qi-23. The Superintendent was awarded a hand- somely framed scroll in appreciation of his distin- guished service as president at the Association ot the United States Army, for three terms. The Junior College Formal was held in Thomas Hall on November 9. The Kaydets, led by Stephen Marcincin, provided popular dance music for the 200 couples until midnight, after which the Cadets were given leave until 2 A.lvl. With a tull day ahead, the men of the Corps rose early on the l7th, hustled into their tatiguesg filled their canteens, stutted chocolate bars into their pistol belts, and by 0800 were ready tor anything the lvl.S. Department could dish out in the way of lectures and practical applications of military problems. With many points toward company competition resting on each unit's performance, a keen sense ot rivalry was developed and added to the enthusiasm ot the pro- gram. The art of camouflage is demonstrated at Valley Forge Park.

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President Lincoln made his Gettysburg Address on November l9, i863 and on this date in l963, a con- tingent of Cadets took part in the remembrance ceremonies at Gettysburg National Cemetery at the request of General Eisenhower, As General Eisen- hower, Governor Scranton and General Baker talked, the Corps remained attentive at Parade Rest, con- scious of one of the great aspects of our country's history. November 22, 1963. The President of the United States is dead! From the moment our radios picked up that first urgent bulletin to the ofhcial confirma- tion of death, an hour later, we all prayed for him, his family, and his country. The only sound on post after T130 P.lvl. was the mournful flapping of Old Glory at half-staff. A special memorial service was held in the Chapel on Monday, in coniunction with President Kennedys funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. General Baker paid tribute to our fallen Chief Executive in an emotional speech to the Corps of Cadets and Faculty, few of whom could resist shedding a tear or two. ln the next two weeks, two special leaves were granted by the Superintendent - for Thanksgiving Day and the Army-Navy Game. ln conflict with the great football classic in Philadelphia on December 7, many First Classmen took their College Boards. Ex- tremely decisive in the intense competition for a col- lege seat, these tests would represent to both the colleges and the Guidance ofhcers the degree of preparedness and the proficiency of the student for college work. The traditional Christmas Vesper Service was held Sunday, December 8th in the Chapel with the Ellis School and Valley Forge Choirs joining voices in a beautiful presentation of l-landel's The Messiah. On the l5th, the Christmas Pageant, directed by Commander Ralph Jones, was presented to the Corps of Cadets and guests. The following night, Television Station WFIL filmed the Pageant for later presenta- tion. The Annual Christmas Pageant.