To Wear the Ring

&emsp;&emsp;The tradition of the Class Ring at VMI has its roots in the year 1848 with a design that is rather simple compared to the modern-day designs, that sport an incredibly large size and variable stone choices. While it is undoubtedly attractive to have a massive piece of metal and stone as an accessory, the concept of a VMI ring and its meaning runs much deeper than being superficial jewelry. The true passion and ideology behind a Class Ring is found in the simple word "mizpah," which was inscribed on the original 1848 Class Ring, a word nearly synonymous with the concept of brotherhood. As many can attest, the unique configuration of VMI and its culture found in the hardships of the Ratline and the difficulty of military life are integral to building this brotherhood. "Without shared suffering, there can be no brotherhood" is a favorite phrase of VMI and its Cadets as it reflects the high degree of bonding that occurs between Cadets as a result of increased hardship. &emsp;&emsp;As we all know, the Ratline concludes with the event known as "Breakout," the official time in which a class sheds their title of "Rat Mass" and fully enters the Corps. This is the first step on a Cadet's journey through VMI, but comes second to Ring Figure; an event which some argue shadows even graduation. It is not that either of these two events are unimportant, but that Ring Figure and the acquisition of Class Rings reflects the participation and value of a Class to an even greater degree. Breakout is the sum of a Rat Mass' actions, and graduation is the sum of an individual's academic success paired with the completion of duty at VMI, and still Ring Figure stands alone. By earning the right to wear a VMI ring, the 2nd Class cements itself as the leaders of the Corps, representing their continued efforts to support the Corps and the Institute. Cadre and Staff Sergeants have struggled through the "Academic Ratline" of 3rd Class year and have borne the brunt of labor as they schedule and execute a majority of the events in all aspects of VMI life. Cadet Dylan Palmer '24 spoke on this by saying; "The ring acts as one of the material awards that you receive for developing within the system and acquiring personal strength. It is an indication of success at VMI and one's triumphs. They have become the lubricant which causes the gears of the greater VMI machine to turn. It is their importance to the school and their place within it, yet its meaning does not end there." &emsp;&emsp;The undoubted logistical importance of the 2nd Class to the Institute sets the foundation for the ring's importance, and still, it has many more layers, the principal of these being brotherhood. The Class as a whole designs each side of the ring - one for the class and one for the Institute, ensuring the struggles and identity of the Class is reflected in each element. This allows them to represent the aspects unique to their respective Class that solidified their bond. Each grueling day of the Ratline, each exciting, Class-defining event, and every instance of the "Brother Rat Spirit" is held within these two sides of the Class Ring, cast in both gold and steel that shall never be destroyed. It is so much more than a simple ring worn by any other college. It is a representation and a reminder of the collective struggles of a VMI class and their perseverance in the pursuit of greatness; something with which all alumni can relate to. This belief is reflected in the words of Cadet Yen-Ting Liu '23; "The ring is a milestone, a brotherhood, and captures all the memories that were created while at VMI." &emsp;&emsp;With each Class earning the right to wear the ring, it has become a highlight of one's cadetship and a symbol of being a VMI Cadet that overshadows any piece of parchment presented at a graduation ceremony. This is an experience shared by each Cadet who passes through the arches of the 'Mother I' and survives to their 2nd Class year. It is a symbol of the character and values intrinsic to all VMI Cadets and graduates. It encapsulates the VMI experience and the legacy of those who have and will bear the ring. It is an identifier of individuals who share common experiences and values, an indication to others that they too have what it takes to become fully fledged VMI Cadets as emphasized by Cadet Max Moreno '24; "Prior to the ring, you go to VMI. Following the ring, you represent VMI at all times. It has another layer of responsibility assigned to it." Alumni may return to the Institute to relive the memories of their time in the "Old Corps", they carry these memories on their hand every day as a mark of their experiences, determination, and service to the Institute. While it will always remain a symbol of the collective VMI ethos, the Class Ring also bears incredible personal significance. &emsp;&emsp;The ring has been shown to reflect the struggles and achievements of the Class as a whole yet, the same can be said for the individual. Many co-matriculants and Brother Rats fall to the wayside throughout their time at VMI, leaving for their various reasons, yet the few who remain earn the right to wear the ring. It is this tremendous effort that imbues within Cadets a great sense of pride for their own accomplishments. The customization of the center stone allows for individual Cadets to place additional meaning within their ring. Many choosing to follow in the footsteps of their dykeline by choosing matching stones while others will lay claim to the classic red ruby which is a staple of VMI rings. Individuals will even go beyond this tradition, choosing unique designs which reflect individual characteristics or meanings as noted by Cadet Aidan Rice: "It has tons of symbolism to me… The stone is Purple in color, which is why I picked it, but after I picked it, I found out it is nicknamed Vikings Compass because of the way that they would use it to "determine the direction of the sun. Legendary Viking explorers, such as Leif Eriksson, were said to have taken pieces of Iolite with them to help navigate the open seas of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. Wanting to go Coast Guard, that's a perfect fit for me. The rosette, I love because it has a cool meaning behind it while being the classy look I love. The rose and thorns speak to the beauty and pain of the VMI experience, the hard work needed for the beautiful outcome. It's rather poetic, and it really needs more thorns, but I like it." &emsp;&emsp;It is the uniqueness of each VMI ring and the stories behind them which inspire an unparalleled pride in those who earn the right to wear it. It is the commitment to Brother Rat and to self. It is the reflection of a Class at the most honest level. It is the legacy of Cadets. And it is the legacy of VMI.