A Place Called West Point

The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point has intrigued me for decades. Growing up 30 minutes south of the military base, it was a place you visited as a child for sporting events, theatrical productions and the 4th of July celebration at Trophy Point.

History class taught us about the importance of the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War and how George Washington thought the strategic location of West Point made it one of the most important military posts in America. To this day, West Point is the oldest, continuous military base in the country.

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The institution itself was envisioned in 1802 when President Thomas Jefferson signed legislation establishing the military academy as a place to train future officers. Over the course of 200 years, many well known cadets have walked through these hollowed corridors and became part of the Long Gray Line. Some familiar names would include;

• Robert E. Lee

• Ulysses S. Grant

• Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Stonewall Jackson

• George S. Patton

• George Armstrong Custer

• Omar Bradley

• William Westmoreland

• Mike Krzyzewski

• Ann McClain

• Norman Schwarzkopf

Only time will tell what happens over the next 200 years. Safe to say, many men & women will graduate from this fine institution and change the world. I’ve met many cadets over the years and have never been disappointed. They are some of the most respectful, courteous and ambitious young adults you will ever encounter.

Until next time…

Cheers.