Citadel cadets volunteer throughout Lowcountry during the Class of 1979 Leadership Day

One day every year, The Citadel cancels classes and replaces them with activities meant to enhance their leadership skills and ethical decision-making. The Class of 1979 Leadership Day — held on Wednesday, Oct. 22 this year — is focused on serving others.

This year, more than 1,000 freshman and sophomore cadets traveled to dozens of sites across the region to demonstrate principled leadership in action.

Leadership Day began the Corps hearing from Medal of Honor recipient MCPO Edward C. Byers Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.). Byers was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan. Cadets split up by class following his remarks.

Each year, knobs — or freshmen cadets — visit with elementary students to share The Citadel’s core values — honor, duty and respect — and discuss what it means to be a hero.

Meanwhile, the sophomore class went to work at dozens of service locations in the region and volunteered for charitable and community organizations. Some of these sites included Charles Towne Landing, Home Works, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Pet Helpers, SCDNR and many more.

As the junior and senior cadets are approaching graduation, their activities for the day are focused on leadership and ethics — both on campus and off — from federal and state agencies, museums, businesses and corporations across South Carolina.

On average, more than 7,000 hours of service to the Lowcountry are provided by the cadets each Leadership Day.

The Citadel Class of 1979 has donated nearly $1 million to permanently endow the “Class of 1979 Leadership Day.” Members of their class were there alongside cadets at various locations for Leadership Day. The Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics also sponsors the event.