Near New Market in Shenandoah County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Died on the Field of Honor…"
Gravestones of VMI Cadets
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 17, 2020
Of the 257 cadets from Virginia Military Institute who fought in the Battle of New Market, ten were either killed outright or later died of their wounds. Their legacy of service and sacrifice has inspired each successive generation of cadets. Since 1866, a commemorative ceremony has been held at VMI each year on May 15, the anniversary of the battle. The Corps of Cadets assembles on the parade ground, and the names of the ten New Market cadets are called. With each name, a cadet in the ranks responds, "Died on the Field of Honor, Sir."
The tradition of the roll of honor dates from the French army of Napoleon I, who felt his troops would be inspired by the act of commemorating their fallen comrades. For VMI, the tradition reinforces the ties between cadets of today and their predecessors who fought at New Market.
Once this Roll of Honor is reported to the Commandant, a wreath is laid at each of the cadets' grave markers, which lie beneath a statue entitled Virginia Mourning Her Dead. The statue was created by Moses Ezekiel, a world-renowned sculptor who fought in the battle as a private in Company C.
In 2005, the gravestones of the six cadets interred at VMI were replaced, and memorial stones for the additional four cadets added. The original six tombstones were transferred to the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park and installed here in 2006.
Erected by Shenandoah at War and Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1865.
Location. 38° 39.7′ N, 78° 40.253′ W. Marker is near New Market, Virginia, in Shenandoah County. Marker can be reached from George R. Collins Parkway (State Road 305), on the right when traveling north. Located at the entrance to the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Market VA 22844, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New Market Battlefield Park (a few steps from this marker); Stonewall Jackson (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of New Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Baptism of Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bushong Farm (approx. 0.2 miles away); “Good-bye, Lieutenant, I am killed.” (approx. ¼ mile away); This Rustic Pile (approx. ¼ mile away); Heroism in Defeat (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Market.
Also see . . . Gravestones of the VMI Cadets nearby. Close-up photos of the VMI Cadets (Submitted on October 18, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 17, 2020
Credits. This page was last revised on May 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,271 times since then and 55 times this year. Last updated on May 13, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on January 22, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on August 27, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.