It was a moment the Class of 2024 would never forget as they rejoiced at the noteworthy accomplishment of reaching their 100th-day mark until graduation during the 100th Night Banquet on Feb. 12 at the U.S. Military Academy.
On a relatively warm evening, the cadets gathered along the apron at Washington Hall with family, friends, and special guests to share on this momentous occasion. Adorned in sleek suits and formal gowns, these future leaders entered the Mess Hall to not only celebrate this significant milestone but reflect on their three-and-a-half-year journey.
Cadets, Army officers and guests joined in reminiscing, raising their glasses to honor the sacrifices of past heroes, living and deceased.
"Tonight marks a significant milestone in our West Point journey," said Class President Cadet Thomas Ward. "It signifies our dedication to bettering ourselves, our devotion to helping others and our determination to see the West Point experience all the way through."
Ward added that a firstie (senior) year is replete with rich traditions, from donning the class rings to the significant decision-making process during Post Night, where firsties select their future duty station. Amidst these experiences, cherished memories are created, and enduring friendships are cemented, standing the test of time.
"We're privileged to be surrounded by the best people in the world at the United States Military Academy," he continued. "However, this chapter will soon close. As we sit here tonight, we are only a short 105 days away until the beginning of a new journey, blazing new paths and stepping into a world in dire need of character driven leaders. Our country is expecting us to fill this void."
Among the special guests in the audience was retired General Martin E. Dempsey.
With an Army career that spanned 41 years, Dempsey was a certified trailblazer, serving as the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2011 to 2015, was regarded in TIME's 100 Most Influential Leaders, and became a bestselling author and speaker. Dempsey attended the event as a representative of the USMA Class of 1974, the 50-year-affiliate class to the Class of 2024. He also served as the guest speaker for the banquet, imparting lifelong Army wisdom to the cadets while embracing the uniqueness of the Class of 2024 and their motto, "Like None Before."
"When I first learned of your class motto, "Like None Before," I thought it bold, perhaps even brazen," Dempsey said. "But today, I consider it prescient. You chose your motto before you knew how important it would be and before you fully understood what it would take to deliver on it. Now you know. Soon you'll know even more."
Dempsey explained that in 1962, revered General of the Army Douglas MacArthur delivered his venerable Thayer Acceptance speech to the USMA 1962 class. During his speech, MacArthur underscored the significance of the three hallowed words that shape West Point's most significant ideals: Duty. Honor. Country.
"MacArthur stood here and told the class of '62 that West Point's three hollowed words, Duty, Honor, and Country, would reverently dictate what they ought to be, what they can be, and what they will be," Dempsey said. "Today, I say to you that the three words of your class motto, "Like None Before," reverently dictate what we want you to be. What we need you to be. What we believe you will be."
As the event concluded, Dempsey continued his veneration for the Class of 2024 by singing a musical number he wrote specifically for the class.
As the Mess Hall echoed with the melodic tribute, the crowd joined in, followed by a standing ovation. Following the performance, Ward presented Dempsey with a framed picture of the class and the class coin symbolizing their deep appreciation for his inspiring words, life lessons, and his musical performance.
" ... You will accomplish great things individually, I have no doubt about that. But the things you will accomplish together will always be the most memorable," Dempsey concluded. "One of the great poets of the late 19th century and early 20th century, William Butler Yeats, answered a question about his accomplishments this way, 'say where man's glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends.' May you always feel that way about your classmates and remain close throughout your lives."