I travelled to New Market, Virginia yesterday and watched Virginia Military Institute’s freshman class (aka “Rats”) recreate the Battle of New Market. In May of 1864 VMI students fought and died in the Civil War’s Battle of New Market and the school annually marks their sacrifice with a charge across the battlefield as well as with a parade in the town of New Market. VMI is the only school in the nation’s history to send its student body to fight in battle.
The charge across the "Field of Lost Shoes".
VMI's Freshman class march down Congress Street.