While looking for a memorial for the blog I walked over to VMI's campus and found the Cincinnatus Monument. I have studied Latin for years and in doing so have learned a good deal of their history. One of the stories that I was always particularly interested in was Cincinnatus. He lived in Rome during the Republic and worked as a farmer. Rome was currently engaged in a war with the Aequi and were not faring well. 

One of the policies of the republic was that a dictator could be appointed in time of need, but the dictatorship was to only last for 6 months. After the monarchy Rome was very cautious of too much power. This accounted for why they appointed two consuls at a time that each served for one year. 

The consuls approached Cincinnatus while he worked in the field and asked him to serve as dictator. He agreed and led the Romans to a successful victory. He then gave up his dictatorship after only 16 days. This was very significant because it shows that he wanted to best serve his country. 

I thought it was very cool that this was memorialized on VMI's campus. It is also an award that is given to honor students, and it is the highest award that a VMI cadet can earn. 

- Charlotte MacDonald