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2002 SESSION

024445872
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 114
Offered January 9, 2002
Prefiled January 8, 2002
Commending the United States Military Academy at West Point.
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Patron-- O'Brien
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WHEREAS, March 16, 2002, marks the bicentennial of the founding of the United States Military Academy at West Point by President Thomas Jefferson; and

WHEREAS, the site of the United States Military Academy had been strategically important during the Revolutionary War, when General George Washington selected Thaddeus Kosciuszko, one of the heroes of Saratoga, to fortify West Point in 1778; and

WHEREAS, General Washington selected West Point for his headquarters in 1779 and, despite Benedict Arnold's treason, the fortress at West Point was never captured by the British; and

WHEREAS, following the establishment of the United States Military Academy, Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, the "Father of the Military Academy," upgraded academic standards, instilled military discipline, and emphasized honorable conduct, values still treasured at the Academy today; and

WHEREAS, West Point graduates first gained national recognition during the Civil War, when the highest ranks on both sides--Grant, Lee, Sherman, and Jackson--were dominated by West Point graduates; and

WHEREAS, the Academy's high standards of military leadership were further evident during World War I and, especially World War II, when West Point graduates Eisenhower, MacArthur, Bradley, Arnold, Clark, Patton, Stilwell and Wainwright led the Allied victory; and

WHEREAS, throughout its two centuries of history, the United States Military Academy has expanded its course offerings, increased the strength of the Corps of Cadets, admitted more minorities and women to reflect changes in American society, and West Point has through 200 years maintained its commitment to Duty, Honor, Country; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate the United States Military Academy at West Point on the occasion of its bicentennial; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Lieutenant General William J. Lennox, Jr., Superintendent, in honor of the United States Military Academy’s 200th anniversary.