MEXICO, MO — Missouri Military Academy (MMA) will honor veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice by conducting a military review on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, at 1330 (1:30 p.m.) on Colonels Field. The event is open to the public, and the Academy extends a special invitation for all veterans in the area to attend.

“We take great pride in the military service of many of our faculty, staff, and alumni. Our Veterans Day review, involving the entire Academy, is a special event on our campus each year,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “It is a privilege to honor all those who have sacrificed and supported our country through military service, and we encourage all local veterans to attend.”

Military reviews are reserved for special occasions at MMA, including Alumni Weekend/Homecoming, Fall Family Weekend, Veterans Day, Spring Family Weekend, and Mother’s Day. A review consists of four stages: a formation of cadets, inspection, presentation and honors, and a pass in review.

During the formation of cadets, MMA’s battalion staff (cadet leaders) and band lead MMA’s four companies, Band, Bravo, Charlie and Delta, marching onto Colonels Field. Next, inspection occurs, where the reviewing officers inspect the corps of cadets. This leads into presentation and honors, in which the cadet officers and colors are posted and the national anthem is played. In stage four, the corps of cadets pass in review in tribute to the honorees.

The use of military reviews dates back to the Middle Ages when rulers would demonstrate the strength of their armies by holding elaborate military parades and demonstrations. Now, at MMA, military reviews are used to celebrate important events and honor individuals by showcasing the cadets’ military bearing, discipline, and teamwork.