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KAPPA ALPHA ORDER, SIGMA NU, ALPHA TAU OMEGA HONORED AT VMI PARADE AND REDEDICATION OF THE LEXINGTON TRIAD
Lexington, Virginia – April 24-26, 2009 – Celebrating almost 150 years of tradition and camaraderie, the national fraternities of Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, and Sigma Nu will be honored at the Virginia Military Institute parade and rededication of the Lexington Triad.
April 9, 1983, Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, and Sigma Nu joined to commemorate the common heritage of the Lexington Triad. This formal dedication was highlighted by a granite marker unveiling that rests near the line dividing Washington & Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute; locations of where the three fraternities were founded. The Triad thus appears as one brotherhood, working together in harmony towards a common goal, the development of better men.
While the country was over-whelmed 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 somehow managed to keep their doors open. Idealistic veterans at both schools translated their post-war dreams of peace, unity and brotherhood into purposeful action. During the years 1865-1869 appeared the first chapters of Alpha Tau Omega, Kappa Alpha Order, and Sigma Nu. Each of these in one way or another expressed sentiments evoked by the years of strife; keeping alive the spirit of chivalry, self-sacrifice, mutual helpfulness, and comradeship born of their recent experiences.
The weekend will be filled with a variety of events commencing on Friday, April 24.
· Friday Carriage tour of historic downtown Lexington, Stonewall Jackson Cemetery, Washington & Lee University, and the Virginia Military Institute. This will be followed by the rededication of the Lexington Triad marker. Sigma Nu will host an outdoor reception and BBQ dinner that evening at their national headquarters.
· Saturday All three organization presidents will be honored at the Virginia Military Institute parade, followed by meetings and guest speakers at the Hampton Inn Col Alto. The event will conclude with a formal reception at Mulberry Hill, Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office, and banquet at the Sheridan Livery hosted by Alpha Tau Omega.
Those interested in learning more about the Lexington Triad Meeting can contact Chris Woods at cwoods@ka-order.org.
