Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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(umtti iB Q. AMONG the celebrations of our Commencement week there is none due more notice in the pages of our Annual than the dav set apart for the assembly of the Alumni. Acknowledging their strong attachment to the Institute together with their sympathy and enthusiastic interest manifested for her maintenance and con- tinuation of usefulness in training young men of our great country to be good and honorable citizens, it becomes us as members of the grad- uating class to cordially welcome them and express in courteous terms our appreciation of their presence in our midst, and to exert every effort in making their stay most pleasant and agreeable. When we consider that the greatness of an institution of learning is but the greatness of her sons, demonstrated in service rendered mankind not only through thought and eloquence in peace ' s tran- quillity, but also by devotedness equally unshaken in times of deadly conflict, — not only strong amid the dazzling brilliance of a diplomatic crowd, but fearless and powerful before thickening masses of con- tending armies and smoke of musketry, — we are more and more deeply impressed with the sublimity of Virginia Military Institute, and with recognition of regard for her Alumni who have so nobly wrought her tame and glorious immortality. Alrginia Military Institute can well boast of her eminence. Her record in the past established by heroism of her sons is an imperishable spotless monument, fashioned and built not suddenly by the magic chisel of an accomplished artist to guard the memory of some potentate but her fair fame arose magnificent from the valor of those who fell in defence of the flag, and continues to endure by the life and virtue of those who survive ; warriors, statesmen, citizens. 23

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of the corps saved it from utter destruction, Ijy quickly checking the advance of the flames that surrounded it. During the Finals, the crowning event of the session, on account of the changes that occur in the different classes, Liberty Hall is the center of attraction for a good many cadets as some of the fairest daughters of the South, who come to add glory and splendor to our commencement, with their charms and beauty, make their headquar- ters at this favorite place. The Class of ' 99 will soon pass out of existence from the annals of the institute, its members to occupy prominent positions in the long list of alumni and to place fresh laurels upon the altar of their alma mater, by continuing the work already begun by her illustrious sons in every sphere of life. Whenever we look back to our happy cadet days spent at the Virginia ililitary Institute, the name of Liberty Hall will always hold a warm place in our hearts. A. M., ' 99.

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Alumni Day which reassembles the scattered flock under the spread wing of the common parent can not be ignored or even lightly considered by us, but on the contrary we recognize it as a day con- secrated to the reunion of men who yearn for V. M. I. ' s prosperity and leave undone nothing that tends to promote her interests. Not only do these gatherings amalgamate and strengthen frater- nitism between Alumni, but those who graduate each year are inspired by their presence, identified and commingled with them thus aug- menting and strengthening the interests of all. We hope to see a larger reunion of Alumni this year than has been heretofore our pleasure to witness. Alumni Dav, Wednesday, June 21st. 24