Summerall Field
Summerall Field, also known as the “parade ground,” is the center of campus, where Friday afternoon dress parades take place. Walking across Summerall Field not during a parade is considered a privilege held by senior and second-semester junior cadets.
Mascot Handler
Parade
Cannons
🐶 Mascot Handler
The mascot handlers are a group of cadets that look after The Citadel's live bulldog mascot, G3. These cadets live with G3, tend to his needs, and bring him to campus events, such as PT and parade. All cadets selected to become mascot handlers go through a competitive rank board process. If you see G3 on campus, don't forget to salute!
🥁 Parade
The tradition of parading troops can be traced back to the time of Alexander the Great. Drill procedures and movements on the parade field are identical to the tactical maneuvers employed on the battlefield in the past.
U.S. military reviews and parades began at Valley Forge. At that time, brigades of soldiers were formed in order of battle. Modern-day ceremonies are conducted to inspect troops, render honors, preserve tradition, and foster espirit de corps. At various times throughout the year, The Citadel's parades are used to present awards and recognize students, faculty, staff, and other notable people.
Citadel parades are free to attend and open to the public.
⭐ Cannons
Cannons have been a part of the Citadel tradition from the school’s founding day. In fact, the two 75mm Salute Guns fired at parades are named “Lizzie” and “Betsy.” These were the wives of Cadets Pickens and Haynesworth who were members of the Citadel’s Artillery Battery at the beginning of the Civil War.