The Long Gray Line

For some reason, I'm having troubles composing a post about the Academy. Guess, it's a case of writer''s block.. Perhaps some word play will help. Hmm, words that come to mind, when I think of the United States Military Academy West Point (USMA West Point): Duty, Honor, Country, Tradition, Impressive, Beautiful...etc.
Go visit! Check it out! It's such a beautiful place. J. and I both come from military families, so we definitely appreciated the history and the tradition West Point has to offer. Naturally, we are also proud of the fact that my sister and brother in law were able to get stationed at West Point. They are both Cpt's in the Army. And typically, most military personnel who get stationed at the Academy are West Point graduates - members of  "The Long Grey Line".

*All photos taken by me, unless otherwise noted.

The Cadet Chapel

 Image from historic-travels.com

Image from fineartamerica.com

Random Facts: 
West Point has several different houses  of worships, for their corps of cadets. While The Cadet Chapel is not the oldest church in use on West Point, some say it's the prettiest. The oldest chapel belongs to the Catholic faith - the Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity. The Cadet Chapel is a non-denomination Protestant Church.
Also, as a cadet at West Point you are not allowed to be married. Therefore, most cadets reserve their wedding date four years in advance. How crazy is that. Apparently all the dates at all the chapel are booked years in advance, and if you don't reserve your date you might not be able to get married in any of the chapels on West Point.

Image from flickr

Battle Monument 

Tibit: This monument was erected in memory of all the union officers and soldiers of the civil war. The canons are inscribed with major Civil War battles.

In addition, this monument serves West Point as a reminder to never fight in another war with one another. When you attend West Point, you forge a special bond with all your class mates and instructors. 

Therefore during the war it was especially hard for all West Point graduates, since they were fighting each other. Brother vs. Brother, Brother vs Father, Comrades vs Comrades. 

The Hudson River. 

Random Tibit: Do you see where the river narrows? That is where West Point constructed the chain to prevent the British vessels from proceeding further up the Hudson. Wasn't that plan genius?!

Below you'll find an image of the remnants of the Hudson River Chain. 

 

Hudson River Chain ~ Image from wikipedia.

Barracks & the Cadet Chapel in the background. 

Isn't the architecture beautiful?! West Point has some great building and many more monuments. However, I could write forever, therefore I will leave you with another random fact of West Point. 

Did you know that West Point, received its name because it is situated at the most western point on the Hudson? So, if you're interested in American & Military history definitely add West Point to list of places to visit.  

Oops, almost forgot to post the most important picture

"Sink Navy" West Point's biggest rival. To be fair, the other side of the roof says: "Beat Air Force"
*Side note" All home football games are mandatory for the cadets.