My Morning at the West Point Graduation Exercises -

May 22, 2010

I have been in some wondrous places…like the Eiffel Tower, on the beach at the Hotel Atlantis in the Bahamas….but it doesn’t compare to my morning at West Point.  The excitement was just all over the place as anxious families came to see a friend, relative, or one of their own kids get their ranking as 2^nd “lou’s” in the U.S. Army.  I’d occasionally watch the women in the crowd, see who might be here for her son or daughter.  As a mom, it'd be a bittersweet occasion.

As I entered Michie Field, I was told I’d need an escort to the Press Pen --the two level structure for the cameras and media reps -- and it was just one of those moments I’ll never forget.   Cadet Sergeants Moyen and Weeks were my two escorts for the morning, and they were courteous, friendly, and very cute.  While they were also chatty about the website I wrote for, I believe they were making sure I wasn’t putting a bomb under a seat.   

I was less than 100 feet from the podium, and in awe at being so close to the President.  It was a kind of “Forest Gump” moment..like that part in the movie where he’s shaking hands with LBJ and then Nixon. I’m thinking, “How the heck did I get here?”   Behind me were correspondents from NBC, CNN, ESPN, New York Post, Getty Images, and lots more, and with my “white house press pool” badge, I was their equal.

As cadet after cadet received their diplomas, they’d returned to their seat with the most elated grin on their face.  Some looked astounded when they saw a buddy, and whispered, “They actually gave me one.”  As they walked passed me, in their impeccably tailored uniform, spit shined shoes, and sparkling saber tied at the waste, I thought, “This is just an amazing place to be…here with our country’s heroes, guys and gals who signed up knowing they’d be sent into battle.  Where would we be without them?” 

While I debated about staying for the entire ceremony -- over 1,000 names -- I knew I may not get back here again, and how could I leave without witnessing that time-honored tradition of the hat toss, especially when I had such a great view of it.  (Right now, my editor is reviewing the photos, so I can only put one on my site right now.  But as soon as they either get passed over, or put on the www.WomanAroundTown.com website, I will link them here.)  The  hats flying in the air was a sight to behold. 

I yelled to one cadet after she got her diploma, “How does it feel?” and she replied, “Amazing.”   That said it for both of us.