Well today is the final day at West Point for Leyla. Her graduation is at 9:30 am and she has to be off campus by 5 pm this evening. She has been working at getting her room cleaned out and packed. After graduation she will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant get her bars and then have a 60 day leave. Then it is off to Georgia for 16 weeks of additional training in her field of Geospatial Information Science. After she finishes she will be stationed at the joint Lewis - McChord Base on Puget Sound in Western, WA.
We left extra early to get to Michie Stadium on the base hoping to get a decent parking space. Everyone else had the same idea and we had to wait in a line backed up on the highway for 30 minutes. Once inside the base we were directed past many full lots to lot E behind the stadium and up several very steep hills. Walking down to the stadium was no issue but getting back up at the end of the day could be a challenge.
We were in our seats by 8: 30 am despite the traffic and the rest of the family arrived around 9 am having to wait for a shuttle bus to take them to the stadium. It was good to see everyone again after several years. The morning started out cool but by 10 am the sun was blaring making it vary warm in the bleachers.
The graduation started promptly and went off like a fine tuned clock.
The Graduation Address presented by General Martin E. Dempsey, Chairmen Chief Joints of Staff, was very poignant, non-political and went to the heart of what the Army is all about. Dedication and protection for each other, our country and our constitution. I heard this morning on the news that some felt his address was too short but Ron and I felt it was perfect and to the point.
While the names of the graduates were being read and Degrees presented the children from the attending families were being brought on the field for the traditional hat toss. After the hat toss the children are allowed on the field to grab a hat. Leyla told us that the cadets place mementos , notes or other items in the hats for the children.
After the hat toss the kids were out there grabbing the hats. Carly my youngest grand-niece got her hat with a lovely note taped inside with $50.00 in it . She didn’t know what to make of the money but she did love the hat.
It was so crowded that it was difficult getting a front facing picture. Had to take what we could get for the moment.
I hope I got Mickey and Reilly correct! LOL
After many pictures and lost family found again we headed to the parade field where tents were set up and food being served. At least the walk was downhill. I think I mentioned this place is like a roller coaster with steep hills everywhere.
Dedicated by members of the Corps of Cadets to their comrades who died during Cadet flight training.
After a very tasty lunch we went to the Parade Grounds for Leyla’s commissioning ceremony. She change from her cadet grays to her Army blues and looked very professional and Beautiful!
“The Commissioning Ceremony is a time honored tradition that signifies a new officer joining the profession of arms.
This ceremony is the visible transformation from cadet to officer. A commissioned officer must administer the Oath of
Office to the new Lieutenant and swear them to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. As such,
each newly commissioned officer becomes an agent of the executive branch of the government, appointed by the
President. The pinning of the 2LT rank is a visible sign of this appointment and of the commitment made by the officer.’'
Then it was time for family pictures except one little girl didn’t want to cooperate. LOL
Back at the condo we spent the the evening catching up on what has been happening in our lives, sharing stories and enjoying the company of family. It was a great three days made even better by having family members gathered in the same place celebrating Leyla’s graduation. Job well done Leyla!
We could not have asked for more. We had beautiful weather, experienced a phenomenal graduation ceremony, met wonderful family from Turkey and reconnected with our Michigan and Arkansas families. Life is good and we are so fortunate to have such good people in our lives.
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