Cullum Memorial Hall, where I had spent most of the evening, was a building dedicated to death and sacrifice. The names of deceased West Pointers line the interior walls of that unique building. There is little room left for memorialization. Every inch of hallway, every wall from top to bottom, every staircase, even some of the bathrooms, were covered with portraits and brass plaques honoring the dead. I glanced at the trophy cannon, positioned all over Trophy Point, and then forward to the statue of MacArthur by the barracks.
History is everything.
It makes up most of the Plebe poop, and it defines the Academy's image of itself. The grip of the far off hold. As the long line stiffens and straightens With the thrill that your presence imparts. As I turned toward the barracks entrance, I sensed the feeling of intense pride that all West Pointers know at one moment in time. As each new class enters the United States Military Academy, this renowned leader development institution will continue to affect the progress of our nation in the 21st Century.