LEXINGTON, Va. Jan. 7, 2025 — The Presidential Inaugural Committee has selected the VMI Corps of Cadets out of a record number of applicants to march in the Jan. 20 inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States.

"This event will be a milestone moment for their cadetship," said Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins '85, superintendent. "It's truly an honor and a testament to the professionalism and service of the Corps of Cadets to be selected for this historic day."

This will be the 16th inauguration in which VMI cadets have marched. The first was in 1909, when President William Howard Taft was sworn in; the last was when President Trump became the 45th president. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was no large-scale parade for President Joe Biden in 2021. 

Special practices are scheduled after the cadets return to the Institute from winter furlough Jan. 12.

Additional information concerning the participation of the Corps in this event will be published as it becomes available.

VMI Participation in Past Inaugural Parades

• 1909 — President Taft
• 1913 and 1917 — President Wilson
• 1949 — President Truman
• 1953 — President Eisenhower
• 1961 — President Kennedy
• 1969 and 1973 — President Nixon
• 1977 — President Carter
• 1981 — President Reagan
• 1989 — President George H.W. Bush
• 2005 — President George W. Bush
• 2009 and 2013 — President Obama
• 2017 — President Trump

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