Cadets Mark Milestone at West Point, Prepare for War
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
WEST POINT, N.Y. — Graduating West Point cadets were saluted by a top Army official today for their willingness to serve during deadly conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Army Secretary, Pete Geren, told 972 graduating cadets that 11 West Point graduates have died in service to their country since last May’s graduation ceremony. Mr. Geren, the Army’s top civilian official, lauded the graduates’ courage and thanked them for defending the “transcendent” ideals of the Constitution.
“There’s always a personal cost in your profession of arms. Your willingness to bear the cost ennobles you, your calling and this gathering,” Mr. Geren said.
West Point graduates become second lieutenants in the U.S. Army and most are expected to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Mr. Geren spoke in academy’s football stadium under gray skies that gave way to rain before the traditional hat toss. He told the cadets they now have their chance to make history like other West Point graduates, listing the names of famous generals from Ulysses Grant to David Petraeus.
“Our nation needs you and we salute you,” he said
This year’s graduating class joined the Long Gray Line in the fall of 2004, more than a year into the war in Iraq. After four years of grueling drills and studies, graduates said they were prepared. “Eager, willing, ready — all of the above,” Lieutenant Tim Donohue of Pittsburgh said.
Lieutenant Stefanie Keck of Escondido, Calif., said not even the recent death of her boyfriend while serving in the Army in Iraq has shaken her resolve. He did what was needed and now she will.
“I’m so ready, more than ready,” Lieutenant Keck said moments after taking her oath.
“I’m supposed to be a platoon leader, and I want to be the one that makes sure they get home,” she said.
About a dozen of the graduates have already served as enlisted troops in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The graduating class included 148 women and 14 cadets from other countries, including Albania, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
The West Point superintendent and a veteran of Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Franklin L. Hagenbeck, told the graduates they have a priceless chance to serve a cause larger then themselves.
“You’re ready,” General Hagenbeck said. “Trust me, you’re ready
