A yearly tradition continued on May 1, 2014, with the 10th annual “Inspiration to Serve” West Point Cemetery Tour. Founded by General Fred Franks ’59, the tour is the capstone event for the yearling’s Professional Military Ethic Education program. Its purpose is to provide Third Class cadets the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of fallen graduates of the United States Military Academy and others who have made significant impacts shaping the Long Gray Line. USCC conducts this tour to ensure that cadets understand what it means to serve in the Profession of Arms before taking their Affirmation Oath at the beginning of cow year.
Starting at the Old Cadet Chapel, cadet companies toured the cemetery along four routes, which were determined by regiment. Each route took cadets to four different gravesites, at least one of which was for a graduate who died serving at the lieutenant rank. At each gravesite, volunteer presenters, often a relative or classmate of the individual interred at that site, shared personal stories of service, patriotism, and c
At its conclusion, several cadets acknowledged that the tour was very emotional for them. Kunal Jha ’16 said that he was touched hearing Daren Hidalgo’s ’09 parents tell their son’s story. “You could see how painful his loss is to his mother,” Jha said, “but I think she’s happy knowing he died doing what he loved—he wanted to serve.”ourage, and explained how the deceased graduate was an effective leader of character who helped shape and strengthen the Long Gray Line. And in the event that cadets missed the point while listening to the presenters, each tour rotation received a wrap-up brief in front of the Dade Monument delivered by Major Daniel Gade ’97, who drove home the “inspiration to serve” message by teaching the cadets that serving equals love and that love means putting the needs of others ahead of oneself.
“During the academic year, you lose sight of what you’re really here for,” said Nathan Weir ’16. “The stories demonstrated the character, competence, and commitment of members of the Long Gray Line, and listening to them made me reflect about my family, my friends, and why I came to West Point—and they reinforced my commitment to serve.”
To view photos of the event, click here.