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Old Grads of all ages, friends and family gathered at Thayer Statue to lay the Wreath during the 2025 Thayer Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 20 during graduation week at the U.S. Military Academy. Following this, the crowd gathered at The Plain to celebrate the Class of 2025 as they marched triumphantly during the Graduation Parade . Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Old Grads of all ages, friends and family gathered at Thayer Statue to lay the Wreath during the 2025 Thayer Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 20 during graduation week at the U.S. Military Academy. Following this, the crowd gathered at The Plain to celebrate the Class of 2025 as they marched triumphantly during the Graduation Parade . Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Old Grads of all ages, friends and family gathered at Thayer Statue to lay the Wreath during the 2025 Thayer Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 20 during graduation week at the U.S. Military Academy. Following this, the crowd gathered at The Plain to celebrate the Class of 2025 as they marched triumphantly during the Graduation Parade . Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Old Grads of all ages, friends and family gathered at Thayer Statue to lay the Wreath during the 2025 Thayer Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 20 during graduation week at the U.S. Military Academy. Following this, the crowd gathered at The Plain to celebrate the Class of 2025 as they marched triumphantly during the Graduation Parade . Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL7 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Old Grads of all ages, friends and family gathered at Thayer Statue to lay the Wreath during the 2025 Thayer Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 20 during graduation week at the U.S. Military Academy. Following this, the crowd gathered at The Plain to celebrate the Class of 2025 as they marched triumphantly during the Graduation Parade . Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL8 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Old Grads of all ages, friends and family gathered at Thayer Statue to lay the Wreath during the 2025 Thayer Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 20 during graduation week at the U.S. Military Academy. Following this, the crowd gathered at The Plain to celebrate the Class of 2025 as they marched triumphantly during the Graduation Parade . Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL
It was a triumphant moment for firstie cadets and a time to reminisce for alums as old grads of all ages, friends and family gathered to watch the annual Alumni Wreath Laying Ceremony as part of Graduation Week activities May 20 at the U.S. Military Academy.
Each year, the wreath is laid by the oldest graduate at the base of Thayer Statue in honor of Colonel Sylvanus Thayer and past USMA graduates during the ceremony.
The Thayer Monument, unveiled on June 11, 1883, is the central focal point of the Alumni Wreath Laying Ceremony and stands as a symbol of West Point's enduring heritage and the legacy of Thayer.
The ceremony not only pays tribute to the graduates who came before, but also strengthens the bond between today's cadets and the generations of leaders who have passed through the Academy's gates.
This rite of passage reinforces the coveted values of Duty, Honor, Country, as the class of 2025 inherit leadership responsibilities that perpetually link them to the Long Gray Line upon commissioning as second lieutenants.
This year, First Captain, Cadet Anna Caroline Robinson and the oldest graduate (100 years of age), retired Col. Ralph Pinto, class of 1950, joined Superintendent Steve Gilland and others in laying the wreath.
"I am delighted that West Point is keeping these traditions alive and honoring those folks that have given their lives in service to this country," said retired Col. and class of 1970, Clinton James Ancker III.
After the ceremony, the crowd moved toward The Plain to partake in the Alumni Review in which six alumni members were honored with the Distinguished Graduate Award (DGA).
The alumni honored were retired Lt. Gen. David H. Ohle, class of 1968; retired Lt. Col. Clyde A. (Pete) Selleck III, class of 1977; retired Lt. Gen. David D. Halverson, class of 1979; retired Gen. Joseph L. Votel, class of 1980; Kathy Medaris Widmer, class of 1983; and former Sec. Def. Mark T. Esper, class of 1986.
Afterward, the class of 2025 exemplified their motto "together we thrive," displaying the significance of their accomplishment in a triumphant march across The Plain. The day's events stood as a testament to the traditions, service and the sacrifices made by Army officers throughout the centuries since West Point's inception in 1802.
From the reverent wreath laying at the Thayer Monument to the proud march of the Corps across The Plain, each moment reflected the Academy’s enduring role in shaping principled leaders of character. As graduates, cadets and families came together in reflection and celebration, the legacy of the Long Gray Line was actively carried forward by the next generation of officers preparing to lead the country with integrity and purpose.
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