REDEDICATION OF THE LEXINGTON TRIAD MARKER
Lexington, Va. – April 24-26, 2009 –
Celebrating almost 150 years of tradition and fraternalism, the national fraternities of Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, and Sigma Nu were honored at a Virginia Military Institute dress parade, with a rededication of the Lexington Triad marker and with a proclamation from the Lexington, Virginia City Council. The two-day celebration commenced on Friday, April 24, 2009
On April 9, 1983, Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, and Sigma Nu joined to commemorate their common heritage as men’s fraternities founded in Lexington, Virginia. The union of these college fraternities began in Lexington during the reconstruction period following the American Civil War. Their common history was permanently signified by the unveiling of a granite marker that rests near the line dividing Washington & Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute; the institutions where the three fraternities were founded.
While the country was overwhelmed by the bitterness, destruction, and tragedy of the Civil War, college life was profoundly affected. It was in the South, however, that the first new fraternities were founded after Appomattox. Both the Virginia Military Institute and Washington College managed to remain open during this challenging time. Idealistic veterans at both schools translated their post-war dreams of peace, unity and brotherhood into purposeful action. During the years 1865-1869 the first chapters of Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, and Sigma Nu appeared. Each of these societies expressed sentiments evoked by the years of
strife; keeping alive the spirit of chivalry, self-sacrifice, mutual helpfulness, and comradeship, borne of their recent experiences.
Twenty-five years after the dedication of the Lexington Triad marker, the leaders of all three fraternities gathered for a weekend filled with a variety of events. The following day all three organizations were honored at the Virginia Military Institute dress parade, followed by a rededication of the Lexington Triad marker. Some of the festivities and presentations were held at the Hampton Inn Col Alto.
Headquartered in Lexington, Va., Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded in 1869 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington and currently has 184 active chapters and colonies on college campuses throughout North America.
Brother’s Stout, Young and Williams found the Lexington Fraternity Triad Marker located between the campus of W&L and the VMI post.
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