Ring Figure is here!

This weekend brings one of the most important events in a cadet's life at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) when they receive their coveted Class Ring. Of course, for every VMI event there is a tradition. For Ring Figure it is what one former VMI Superintendent, Maj. Gen. Richard Irby '39, told a class in his presentation as a Ring Figure guest speaker. According to Irby, "The Ring Figure curse is that you will either marry your Ring Figure date, or eventually never see them again." Fortunately Maj. Gen. Irby married his Ring Figure date! The events leading up to presentation of the Class Rings as well as the celebrations after form memories for the BRs, families, and guests who attend that will last a lifetime. The Class of '25 worked together as a team in designing this year's ring to capture the spirit of their class, the history of the Institute, and make it as unique as the VMI experience of duty, honor and the Brother Rat (BR) spirit they all share through the VMI experience. This is the same experience shared by members of '25's "Dyke line", a number of whom attained fame outside the Institute. The Virginia Military Institute Class of 2025 lineage is an impressive one containing soldiers, statesmen, artists, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, and others who contributed significantly to the nation, the world and, especially VMI. Just a small sample through the years leading up to '25's Ring Figure: 1854 - James H. Lane - A Confederate brigadier-general who fought in Pickett's Charge and eventually became the founder of Virginia Polytech (Virginia Tech). 1857 - John McCausland - A Confederate brigadier-general who served under General Jubal Early in the Civil War. 1863 - Thomas Goode Jones - Although he withdrew before graduating, Jones was wounded four times in battle during the Civil War and eventually became the Governor of Alabama. 1866 - Sir Moses Jacob Ezekiel and his BRs who fought in the Battle of NewMarket - Sir Moses was VMI's first jewish graduate who went on to become a famous sculptor and artist with such works as the statue of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, and "Virginia Mourning her Dead" that still stands at the graves of his fellow New Market cadets on Post at VMI. 1899 - Cary D. Langhorne - Medal of Honor recipient for actions at Vera Cruz. 1902 - William C. Upshur - Medal of Honor recipient successfully led only 3 squads of his men against 400 Cacos contributing to the capture of Fort Dipitie, Haiti. 1902 - Richard E. Byrd, Jr. - Medal of Honor recipient for the first continuous flight over the North Pole with a successful return. 1914 - Lt. Gen. Withers Burress - Commanding General, U.S. Army 100th Infantry Division in World War II. 1917 - Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. (USMC) - 20th Commandant of the Marine Corps. 1935 - Hon. Harry F. Byrd - U.S. Senator from Virginia 1965 - 1983. 1962 - Gen. J. H. Binford Peay III (USA) - Commander 101st Airborne, United States Central Command, and 14th superintendent of VMI. With such a storied heritage, the Class of '25 is sure to follow in the footsteps of those who came before. Regardless, this week is a time for them to embrace their Brother Rats, their collective successes and failures, and to appreciate the time and dedication they have given to the Institute. As everyone knows, "Sergeants run the Corps." The following are a few quotes from members of '25 themselves: Cadet Justice Rozic - "I can't believe ring week is already here. I can't tell if my cadetship is taking forever or flying by. I'm so happy that '25 has turned from a bunch of bald-headed kids to a class getting their rings. Rah Virginia Mil. Rah '25." Cadet Cody Bartmann - "After seeming so distant for so long, Ring Figure is finally upon us. I couldn't be happier to share this milestone with my families, both the one I was born into as well as the one I joined 2 years ago on August 21. Rah '25." Cadet Patrick Simmons - "What my ring means to me is the accomplishment of something great from my Brother Rats who endured two long years of trial and tribulation. I know it feels great for all of us to be able to claim membership in the club of people who have a VMI ring." Cadet Philip Crouch - "Getting your ring isn't just about getting something to show off, to me it means a whole lot more. Getting your ring is a physical representation and celebration of everything that has come before that moment and an inspiration in times after. The Ratline, third-class year, and now the second-class year have been full of struggles; the constant stress of academics, incessant strife with commstaff, and all the other calamities of cadetship. Getting your ring is a representation of the fortitude that it took to survive it all, the things you and your Brother Rats learned along the way, your Dyke line and so much more. It strips away the disgruntled sentiments and dissatisfaction so many of us feel while burdened by everyday life at VMI, and reminds us that it all the blood, sweat, and tears have been worth it, if for nothing more than to build that brotherhood that is so strong amongst the class of 2-5. Lastly, the ring serves as a reminder that the end is just around the corner, an offering of hope and optimism heading into the last three semesters of cadetship and the end of our time at the Institute. To bring a conclusion to the story of '25 and their rings come the words of their Ring Figure Committee Chairman, Nathan Benton: "Brother Rats, we made it! It has been a great honor and a humbling experience to serve the class in such a monumental way. To Noah, Turner, Pat, and Nick; I cannot thank you enough for placing your trust in me to put this together. To the Ring Committee, without your help, I would just be the guy who stands up front and talks. We certainly wouldn't be here at this huge milestone. 2025, no one can take this achievement from us. Be safe and have a great Furlough!" Class of '25 Ring Figure events include: November 16, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. - CLASS SUPPER, Crozet Hall November 17, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. - CROZET FAMILY BRUNCH, Crozet Hall November 17, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - RING PRESENTATION, Cameron Hall November 17, 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. - RING BLESSING, Memorial Hall November 17, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. - RING FIGURE BALL, Cocke Hall