Using Croton-on-Hudson as our base, we rented a car and drove north to West Point. Since Sept 11, 2001, the facility has been closed to visitors other than those on an organized tour. We elected to take the one-hour tour and were 3 of the 6 Americans on the 30 passenger bus; the remainder were Chinese tourists. The Chinese tourists simply did NOT understand the tour guide when she said "NO pictures, except in designated areas, and absolutely NO VIDEOS or the MP's will take your cameras!" After a translation from someone in their group and several VERY stern warnings, they got the message. West Point is a beautiful campus. It is situated on a precipace overlooking the Hudson River and offers what they term the "million dollar view" and believe me, it is just that. We were fortunate to witness the parachute team practicing on the parade ground.
West Point was the first university to gift their students with a class ring. "Firsties", members of the sophomore class, receive their class ring at a special ceremony early in the school year. Rings which are no longer worn (because the West Point grad passed away), are often donated back to the school. Those rings are melted down and the metal is incorporated into the new rings. When a West Point grad is facing an especially difficult time, he or she will look at their ring and see that they are not facing the challenge alone; they are always backed by someone who has gone before them. Very moving.
We were able to visit the main cadet chapel (there are 5 chapels on campus). The main chapel is a non-denominational Protestant chapel. It is built in the shape of the cross and looks much like a traditional cathedral. The stained glass windows are magnificent! Cadets are not allowed to marry or have any dependents while they are at West Point or any of the military academies. We were told that on the Saturday after graduation, weddings are scheduled at the chapel every hour, on the hour. Once again, a pew is always set aside in remembrance of the POW's and MIA's.
West Point was the first university to gift their students with a class ring. "Firsties", members of the sophomore class, receive their class ring at a special ceremony early in the school year. Rings which are no longer worn (because the West Point grad passed away), are often donated back to the school. Those rings are melted down and the metal is incorporated into the new rings. When a West Point grad is facing an especially difficult time, he or she will look at their ring and see that they are not facing the challenge alone; they are always backed by someone who has gone before them. Very moving.
We were able to visit the main cadet chapel (there are 5 chapels on campus). The main chapel is a non-denominational Protestant chapel. It is built in the shape of the cross and looks much like a traditional cathedral. The stained glass windows are magnificent! Cadets are not allowed to marry or have any dependents while they are at West Point or any of the military academies. We were told that on the Saturday after graduation, weddings are scheduled at the chapel every hour, on the hour. Once again, a pew is always set aside in remembrance of the POW's and MIA's.
Wow, interesting, I didn't know any of that. I love the idea of them donating their rings back. And Westpoint is beautiful!
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