Michie Stadium trembled with excitement as family and friends roared at the site of the graduating class triumphantly marching onto the field during the U.S. Military Academy Class of 2023 Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony on May 27 at West Point.
This year, the academy graduated 941 cadets, consisting of 216 women, 89 African-Americans, 65 Asian/Pacific Islanders, 152 Hispanics, six Native Americans, and 59 class members who were prior service, 11 of which are combat veterans. Moreover, 114 members who graduated attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School.
In addition, nine international cadets received their diplomas representing Colombia, Egypt, Honduras, Jordan, Mongolia, Romania, Rwanda, Thailand, and The Gambia.
"Thank you for entrusting your sons and daughters to us these past four years, and thank you for the love, support and encouragement you've given to them along the way. They are here today because of it," said Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland. "Also, I'd like to acknowledge the members of the 'proud and free class of 1973,' the 50-year affiliate class for today's graduating class.
"Developing leaders takes a village and we thank you for being part of our village these past four years," Gilland added. "We are grateful for your support and mentorship over the past four years showing them the strength and resilience of the Long Gray Line. Class of 2023 Freedom is not free. Congratulations and well done."
Vice President Kamala Harris shared Gilland's sentiments and discussed the significance of the Class of 2023 joining the ranks of the U.S. Army and what it means for the future of the nation. She also addressed technology's key role in influencing young officers as they work to advance the Army warfighter.
"Since your first day on campus, the world has drastically changed. A once-in-a-century global pandemic took millions of lives and disrupted life for billions more; America ended our longest war; and Russia launched the first major war in Europe since World War II," Harris said. "Looking forward to the future, it is clear you will graduate into an increasingly unsettled world where long-standing principles are at risk.
"... Let us also be clear the power of America's military not only rests on our technology, our weaponry, and our hardware, it rests on the character and the results of our people," Harris added. "America has no greater resource, no greater strategic asset than the men and women who wear our uniform. Our Soldiers are the best trained and most prepared in the world. The most effective, most cohesive and most lethal warriors in the world. And as officers, you are about to be granted one of the greatest privileges and most sacred duties that our nation can bestow: to lead American service members."
The graduating class launched their hats to the sky as a rush of family and friends swarmed the field to celebrate the achievement.
After graduation, families participated in commissioning ceremonies held in multiple locations at West Point, with new 2nd Lt. Weston Myers conducting his at Trophy Point.
From his humbling start during Reception Day to graduating from West Point, the four-year experience at the academy expanded Weston's point of view on the importance of family togetherness and forming lifelong friendships.
"To have everyone here, my brother came from Hawaii, my parents from Washington, It's just been a special day and I'm glad to share it with them and my friends," Weston said. "West Point has given me the closest friends I'll probably ever have. I'm moving in with one of them in a couple of weeks and we're going to stay in touch for the rest of our lives. We'll go to each other's weddings and meet each other’s kids."
His father, retired Col. Stephen Myers, and his mother, Julia Myers, were overwhelmed with joy at the site of Weston in his Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU).
"I'm just super proud that he chose to serve and it's just that much more special that he chose to go to West Point, especially following in his dad's and his brother's footsteps," Julia said.
A USMA graduate himself, Stephen donned his Army dress blues during the commissioning ceremony passing on the torch to his son as he and Julia pinned Weston's shoulders.
"So Spencer Myers is my USMA 2021 graduate. He's an Army engineer in Hawaii and he is doing his best with the education he received here, and Weston is going to be an artilleryman, which is what I was, and I'm excited that he's going to go out in the Army to find opportunities and contribute in such a great way," Stephen said. "What's amazing is that the corps has gotten so much better with all the opportunities that our children have been able to partake in after being here at West Point."
For new 2nd Lt. Hannah Lamb, graduating from West Point has been her dream for years and now that she has reached that milestone, all she could do was reflect on everything that led to this glorious moment.
"What (graduating) signifies to me is it is not just the culminating event of commissioning as a second lieutenant, but also the opportunity to reflect on these past 47 months and all the amazing experiences I got to have, the people I got to meet, and the lessons I learned," Lamb said. "The transition to officership is not a responsibility I take lightly and I am eager to keep learning and to strive to be the leader that Soldiers deserve."
Lamb also had choice words for the next iteration of young hopefuls who wish to enroll at West Point.
"... There are so many amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities you have at West Point. Take all of them," Lamb said. "Go see that cool guest speaker. Give up some leave for that awesome AIAD (Advanced Individual Academic Development). Go to the Firstie Club with your friends. Push yourself and do hard things and never forget to reflect on how far you've come."
Commissioning ceremonies were also held at the West Point Cemetery, where new 2nd Lt. Colin Morgan paid homage to his late brother, Christopher Morgan (also known as CJ), who attended West Point as part of the Class of 2020 but passed away during a training accident in 2019.
On a picture frame stand was a large framed photo of Christopher Morgan next to his gravestone, which had Colin's West Point boxing championship belt wrapped around it.
"I was in second grade. It's me and my brother CJ. We're in the downstairs den, watching TV. It's the History Channel. We're watching World War II colorized. I have no clue what's going on. I'm pretty sure it was a battalion shooting bombs downrange and that's when my brother said 'this is what I want to do,'" Colin said. "...18 years down the line, now I'm here on the precipice of commissioning into the profession of arms.
" ... It's been a real long time coming and I would not be the person I am; have the opportunities I have, or at the very end of it be as happy as I am and grateful for what I have If not for every single one of you here in some way, shape or form," Colin added. "I am beyond thankful and honestly just humbled in the ability for me to even stand here. As you understand, not everyone's able to make it here. I'm going to do my best and I'm going make something great out of it in honor of CJ Morgan."
After the commissioning ceremonies, families and friends spent the rest of the evening celebrating the triumphant USMA Class of 2023 as they brace themselves for a military journey that will test their character, willpower, and patience in leading the nation's sons and daughters.
"... For more than two centuries, America has relied on the conscience, the capability and the courage of West Point officers. Today our nation turns to each of you for the strength that you have built here at West Point: the physical strength, the mental strength, the emotional strength and the strength of character," Harris said. "In years to come, I promise you will be tried and you will be tested and I am so very confident that you will rise to each occasion whatever comes your way.
"... You are ready because you are true leaders of character. And so now, Class of 2023, as your vice president, it is my profound honor to congratulate you on this tremendous accomplishment and to address you for the first time as graduates of the United States Military Academy," Harris concluded. "May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America."
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