The Arms of the Virginia Military Institute

The arms of VMI set within its famous monogram.
Created by Chad Krouse, 2024.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has its own militia, that's right.  Right next door to Washington & Lee University in Lexington, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) has a rich legacy of producing leaders along with a strong alumni network.  Established on November 11, 1839, VMI was the first state military college at that time, and whose cadets even fought in Civil War.

Coat of arms of the Virginia Military Institute.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

Devised in 1961 by Col. Harry D. Temple, the Director of the US Army Institute of Heraldry, the arms of VMI abstractly honor the institution's legacy and blazoned:  "Argent, on a cross Gules a sword in pale point upward of the first, pommel and hilt Or, surmounted by an antique lamp inflamed of the third, on a canton Sable a chevron rompu Or."  Click here to read the document from VMI's archives regarding their arms.  

The arms of the Virginia Company
granted by the College of Arms in 1619.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.

From a design rationale point of view, here is a breakdown of the heraldic elements.  The red cross references the same found in the arms of the Virginia Company granted by the College of Arms in 1619.  

The sword in pale identifies the militaristic character of the school and combines this reference with the oil lamp for scholarship and learning.  The black canton and broken chevron hits a little closer to home for VMI, as this augmentation of honor references those cadets who lost their lives in the valiant charge on May 15, 1864 in the Battle of New Market.  I find the use of the chevron rompu, here, to be extremely meaningful for all in the VMI community.  

The US Army Institute of Heraldry devised a crest and motto to compliment the arms.  Consilio et Animis, or "By wisdom and courage," is truly a fitting motto for such a place.  

Concept for incorporating numerous elements into a seal.
Created by Chad Krouse, 2024.

Admittedly I had not paid VMI's arms much attention over the years--in fact I had altogether forgot about them until recently.  I'm glad I spent some time rendering VMI's arms, as Col. Temple has a great record designing all manner of corporate arms--civic, ecclesiastical, scholastic, and military.  Click here to read about Col. Temple's design of arms for Tift College.  

Banner of arms of VMI.
Rendered by Chad Krouse, 2024.