As I have shared on this website, I have visited sites where significant events in US History took place. I also have had the privilege and honor to lay wreaths at Veterans’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery on Wreaths Across America Day. I have seen the end. Recently I had the opportunity to go to the United States Military Academy West Point. Here I was at the location whereby some of our brave armed forces get their start.
As you would imagine, access is limited at the Academy, but there is a museum open to the public as well as the West Point Experience Exhibit. It is not difficult to feel proud of such a place, to be aware of your patriotism coursing through your blue, white and red blood. Those who come here to train and be educated have a calling to serve. My nephew just graduated from high school, he started college at the end of August. I cannot imagine that young man making such a commitment. Yet an average of 180,000 do every year.
The buildings we were allowed to tour are reminiscent of structures in England, or dare I say, Hogwarts. They are Ivy League. A massive wall of windows in the Visitor Center offers a view of the Hudson River. It feels sacred, but that could be the hopeless Uncle Samantha in me. I know, though, that there is nothing romantic about what our military personnel face, the threat to their lives is constant and unavoidable. And yet they serve. They sacrifice.
I had seen the end. Now I had seen the beginning. My gratitude grew greater along the banks of the Hudson River. I thank all who walk the halls and grounds.
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