51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Thirty-five 51³Ô¹ÏÍø cadets completed the annual Legacy March from November 1–3, 2024, retracing the symbolic 50-mile route from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, Vermont—the birthplace of the university—to its current home in Northfield. Now in its second decade, the Legacy March honors 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's founding, fosters fitness and leadership training, and raises funds for The Veterans' Place, Inc., a transitional housing center in Northfield for homeless veterans.

Throughout the three-day journey, cadets paused at historical landmarks to learn about the university's founding in 1819 and history. The march was supported by the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Center for Civic Engagement and alumni, parents, and friends who provided meals with overnight accommodations at area school gymnasiums.

This year's march raised $1,750 for The Veterans' Place, furthering 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's ongoing support of veterans in need. The march was planned and executed by a committee of seven cadets with medical support provided by 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Emergency Medical Services. On March 28, a ceremonial check was presented to The Veterans’ Place Director Bonnie Allen.  

"Being able to support the amazing work that The Veterans' Place does is the reason the Legacy March exists," said Cadet Sergeant First Class Forrester Belanger, Class ’26, a Studies of War and Peace major and Civic Scholar from Harwich, MA. "Their support and dedication to the event inspire students to keep moving forward on the long march that connects us to our 51³Ô¹ÏÍø history, our veterans, and the local community." Cadet Sergeant First Class Roger Bos, Class ’26, a mechanical engineering major from Weston, CT, added, "As a first-time marcher, the Legacy March taught me that true camaraderie is built step by step through shared struggles, encouragement, and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves."

The executive director of The Veterans' Place, Bonnie Allen, expressed heartfelt appreciation at the check presentation ceremony: "You have no idea how much this means to us. The support we receive from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is not just financial—it's emotional, it's spiritual, and it's practical. You show our residents that they are not forgotten that they matter, and that people care about them. Your generosity keeps our mission alive." She went on to say, "51³Ô¹ÏÍø cadets have become a cherished part of our story. Every step you take on that march represents something far bigger than a donation—it's a message of hope to the veterans we serve. You are part of our history and our future."

The Legacy March exemplifies the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø cadet ethos of selfless service, resilience, and leadership in action. It is a physical and symbolic reminder of the commitment 51³Ô¹ÏÍø cadets make to serve others and honor our veterans.

By Bill Passalacqua, Office of the Commandant, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø