The U.S. Military Academy Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic held the 17th annual “Inspiration to Serveˮ Cemetery Tour and Pre-Affirmation Reflection event for yearlings on April 29 at the West Point Cemetery.
During this yearʼs “Inspiration to Serveˮ event, cadets funneled into the cemetery on a brisk afternoon to tour the hallowed grounds of West Point graduates who have previously served their country by the same oath they will soon take on Aug. 4 at the Affirmation Ceremony this summer.
Friends and family members awaited the cadets by headstones, prepared to share a loved oneʼs story.
“It really connects you,ˮ said Maj. Sarah Ryan, USMA alumni and current Character Education Officer for SCPME.
West Point builds leaders through four central pillars: education, military training, physical training and character development. Ultimately, as future leaders, cadets who choose to affirm their commitment as officers will become a part of “The Long Gray Line.ˮ
“It explains that when you graduate you become a part of this line of graduates that has been there since 1802,ˮ Ryan said. “I think for the first time it tangibly connects them too ‘The Long Gray Line.ʼˮ
For many who have attended West Point, becoming part of such a historically rich legacy is like finding a sense of belonging.
“It hits me differently,ˮ said Class of 2024 Cadet Lara Westwood-Marsh. “I grew up overseas. My parents originally arenʼt from the U.S. and (I) didnʼt know where I belonged.ˮ
According to Westwood-Marsh, this opportunity allowed her to reflect on the importance of not only her immediate family but also her military family.
“I finally realized that I belong to something far greater than myself,ˮ Westwood-Marsh said. “This is where I belong and this is my family.
“Even before coming here, there was no question on whether I was going to affirm or not,ˮ she added. “I want to be a leader who will always be there for (his or her) Soldiers.ˮ
No matter your background, as long as you graduate from here, you become part of this brother and sisterhood, explained Class of 2024 Cadet Elijah Bellamy, a third generation West Pointer.
According to Bellamy, the tour changed his outlook on what it meant to be a leader because he was previously more mission-focused.
“I had no doubt I was going to affirm,ˮ Bellamy said. “Leadership for me changed, I am very goal driven in my leadership style. I thought the mission would always be first, but this put a spin on it by placing the people first.ˮ