Citadel holds military dress parade open to the public

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The Citadel will hold its second military dress parade of the year on Friday, showcasing the winners of the President’s and Summerall Cup.

According to the Citadel, the parade will be free and open to the public.

Officials say the President’s Cup is awarded annually to the cadet company earning the highest overall score in academics, military bearing, physical effectiveness, freshman retention, the regimental Commander’s Bowl and service learning. The Citadel says this is the highest honor that a cadet company can win.

The Citadel says the Charles P. Summerall Cup is presented annually by the Provost of the College to the cadet company with the highest point average calculated from all classes of cadets assigned for the fall and spring semesters of the previous school year. The Citadel says this is the top academic award for a cadet company and is one of the criteria for the President’s Cup.

“The tradition of parading troops can be traced back to the time of Alexander the Great, and the South Carolina Corps of Cadets` Friday afternoon dress parades reflect those drill procedures and movements of the past,” said Citadel officials.

The Citadel adds that modern-day dress parades are conducted to inspect troops, render honors, preserve tradition and foster esprit de corps.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 3:45 p.m. at Summerall Field.