Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

Page 11 text:

LOFT in the edge of historic Lexington, rise some hight and frowning battlements. They crown a group of buildings which A § the architect doubtless designed to be severe and stern. But ffl nature intervened. With lier rolling hills and drooping trees she broke the harsh lines and blended the whole into a graceful and charming scene. On either side the lovely mountains — the Blue Ridge and the Alleghanies — rise like silent sentinels. This is the home of the Virginia Military Institute, doubly loved by all who know it, for what it is and for its environing beauty. It is not a large school and its graduate list is not the longest, but, those who have completed its course have passed the test of fire and are fitted to compete for the world ' s rewards. Every man who has been sheltered by these walls goes forth with undying love for V. M. I., bound to it by the fraternal ties of cadetship. Such love can only be felt by one who has gone through the years of barracks life, its trials, its hardships, and its pleasures. Only those who have lived in this atmosphere, laden with the heroic suggestions of her noble graduates, can know the thrill caused by the praises heaped upon her famous sons. Only those who have striven in the ranks can in after years know the yearnings for the old uniform. Something in the air, something in the close association of four years, had bound the men in an undissoluble bond of love. Here where the traditions of our forefathers are forever fresh, here where the guiding hand of that idol of this Southland is still felt, are instilled those principles of true manhood which have made and will make her sons famous. Glory has come to many of them, fame in war and honor in peace. Such events, however, are chronicled in history. Our duty is of a more humble nature, for we but compile the happenings of a year. The early history of this institution comes to us only as tradition and myth. badly distorted and delightfully impossible. Some twenty years ago, however, the happy idea was conceived of keeping a yearly record. So we have a more or less connected story of the real cadet life of recent years. In order that this chain may continue unbroken, we publish the 1913 Bomb. Herein are assembled the events of the year, its successes and its failures, its pleasures and its trials. As we passed through it the tribulations seemed paramount, but a retrospect brings forth the pleasant and happy moments, so we find largely the brighter side of cadet life herein portrayed. 7

Page 10 text:

PHOTOGRAPHED IN COLORS FROM NATURE. BY MILEY AND SON

Page 12 text:

BOARD OF VISITORS