West Point's Class of 2016 receives class rings

By Kathy Eastwood (USMA Public Affairs)September 4, 2015

West Point's Class of 2016 receives class rings
Surrounded by Family and friends, the members of the Class of 2016 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., gather together at Trophy Point Amphitheater to receive their class rings, Aug. 28, 2015 (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremey B... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WEST POINT, N.Y. (Sept. 3, 2015) -- In a ceremony that began with the Class of 1835 to honor the tradition of the Long Gray Line, the Class of 2016 received their class rings during a ring ceremony at Trophy Point here, Aug. 28.

In 2000, another tradition began, the ring melt, with melting the gold from donated rings into the gold of the class ring solidifying the bond with those who have gone before them. The Class of 2002 was the first class to receive the infused rings.

This year, 34 West Point class rings, the oldest belonging to retired Lt. Col. Reeve Douglas Keiler, USMA Class of 1924, as well as a ring from retired Lt. Col. John Hamilton Boyd III, U.S. Military Academy, or USMA, Class of 1966, the Class of 2016 50-year affiliate class, were donated.

"Each of you have made choices in the ring you chose," said Brig. Gen. John Thomson, commandant of cadets. "The class crest will be worn where the cadet can see it and is closer to the heart. After graduation the ring is tuned so the crest is on the outside. Your rings mean more than any individual, it represents your class."

Thomson told the class that when they compare their rings with graduates in attendance, they will find some worn smooth on the side with decades of wear and to "imagine the personal stories, the trials and the triumphs they have endured."

Eileen Rountree, wife of retired Lt. Col. Rance Rountree, USMA Class of 1965, donated his ring to be melted into the rings for the Class of 2016. "I was there for the melt and they invited me back to see where they made the rings," Rountree said.

Also attending the ceremony were members of the Class of 1966, the Class of 2016's 50-year affiliate class, who will be there for the class' graduation to hand out their second lieutenant bars. "It's another milestone," Class of 2016 Cadet Aaron Alindogan said. "I remember being at the ceremony last year and I knew that one day, it would be my turn. It's surreal that I'm here today."

Another cadet looked back at his time at West Point and realized how quickly time passes. "I went from a cadet who didn't think I would make it the first year and now I am here. It is exciting," Class of 2016 Cadet Kieran Mcmahon said.

Rings are presented in boxes, with each box representing a company. Rings are in alphabetical order in the boxes and presented to cadets, who are also standing with their company and in alphabetical order. Tactical officers distribute the rings to each cadet.

Today, many high schools, colleges and universities receive school rings following in the tradition, which began at West Point.

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