The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-06-07

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Highlands OF New York State, about
four miles north Of the Bear Noun
tain Bridge, and completely sur
rounded by lovely forest-clad hills
is West Point, the site of the United
States Military Academy, where the
future officers Of the U. s. Army
are educated and drilled.
This world renowned military
academy, was established at West
Point, in 1902, by an act Of Con-
gress, in response to an earlier ap-
peal by General George Washing
| ton, for such q school, In order to
assure the Army Of an adequate
supply of qualified leaders.
Supplies Army Leaders
Not only has this school justified
its existence during the past one
hundred and thirty odd years, by
supplying the army with leaders
who have ably and effectively pro-
tected the heritages left to US by
our forefathers, but also by supply
ing leaders, who in time of peace
have contributed materially to the
cultural, industrial and economic
growth Of this country.
No doubt the Father Of his
country" from his heavenly abode
has looked down many times upon
these glorious United States and
reflected on the great service he
rendered to this country, whe nhe
recommended the creation of Uni
| I'd States Military Academy.
The list of West Point graduates
who have distinguished themselves
in the service Of their country is en-
tirely too long to be repeated here,
but 1t might be of interest for our
readers to know that included in
this long list are Robert E. Lee and
General Pershing, also General
Goethals, the builder Of the
Panama Canal.
During the Revolutionary War,
West Point was one of the import
ant Notifications on the Hudson
Highlands and served effectively to
prevent the British fleet from sail
Ing up the Hudson river and divid-
ing the colonies, Amongst the many
relics stored In West Point, Is a
part OF the chain which was
stretched across the river during the
Revolution to aid In preventing the
British ships from sailing upstream.
OF course the British did finally
break through but not until 1t was
too late.
After distinguished service at
Saratoga, Benedict Arnold was ap-
pointed to command West Point, by
General Washington. Unfortunately
for Arnold, his wife, a social belle,
was constantly demanding the
means for carrying on a social life
the cost Of which, was far greater,
than the pay of an officer In the
American army would permit. The
result Of frequent quarrels with his
wife over money matters, made Ar
mold feel bitter towards the Con-
stitutional Congress, who In the
language of his wife, did not appre-
ciate his services nor pay him his
worth. The consequences Of all this
bitterness was disastrous for Ar
mold. He conspired with the British
to furnish them with the plans OF
West Point in return for q cash
consideration and promise Of a
commission In the British army.
History For Students
The subsequent capture Of Major
Andre, the British spy, at larry
town, and the flight Of Arnold from
West Point, is a matter Of history
familiar to every student Of Amer
lean history.
Today most people come to West
Poit, for the purpose Of seeing the
West Point cadets parade. It GER
tainly Is q thrilling spectacle to
watch the faultless lines Of splen-
didly trained young men, executing
difficult formations to the martial
music Of the West Point band. The
fact that everyone has the privilege
and the right to visit West Point and
witness this unusual exhibition, and
because these drills and parades are
held practically every afternoon
during the summer months, exclude
ing Sundays, make 1t easy for every
one who has desire to see the
West Point cadets perform, to salts
fy this desire. There will be a drill,
however, Sunday, June 8.
Because Of Its historic background
there is much Of historic interest to
see at West Point. Much Of this
material Is stored In the various
buildings, some of which are open
to the public.
Waterbury motorists DESTROYS Of
visiting West Poit, should travel
enthusiastically on Route IL, also
called the "Air Line Route" to the
junction with Route U. 8. 202 near
woodbury., on the latter route travel
into New York State to and across
the Bear Mountain Bridge, span
ming the historic Hudson river at
the Scenic Center of the East"
The Bear Mountain Bridge APP
proach Highway which the motorist
drives over before reaching the
bridge, will delight the traveller as
he wends his way over q lofty
course high above the majestic blue
waters of the Hudson river, offering
panoramas of exceptional beauty.
He will particularly enjoy the views
flight commanded by an officer
l mn mad Kuffdsen