[57], As World War II engulfed Europe, Congress authorized an increase to 2,496 cadets in 1942 and began graduating classes early. [7] Students are officers-in-training and are referred to as "cadets" or collectively as the "United States Corps of Cadets" (USCC). Cadets compete in one sport every fall, winter, and spring season at the intramural, club, or intercollegiate level. [28][29][30], The Mexican–American War brought the academy to prominence as graduates proved themselves in battle for the first time. [17][18] After Arnold betrayed the patriot cause, the Army changed the name of the fortifications at West Point, New York, to Fort Clinton. Secession and the Constitution used to be taught at West Point and strategies of Lee and his generals are helpful to future military leaders. You just attacked a military installation! In 1967 the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst presented West Point with a British Army officer's sword for use as a trophy in a military skills competition at West Point. [87], After the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was lifted September 20, 2011, the academy began admitting and retaining openly gay cadets. His actions were traitorous. However, if I claimed I was part of a fake nation when I chose to commit treason that wouldn't likely fly very far. Why Lee is held in higher regard than General Robert L. Eichelberger is a mystery to me. While we will never fully know how Lincoln would have dealt with reconciliation practically, the matter is clear that Johnson was not as inclined. Seven graduates have an "A" suffix after their Cullum Number. He was a man in his own terms. [251] West Point also produced some famous generals and statesmen of recent note including John Abizaid, Stanley A. McChrystal, Wesley Clark, Alexander Haig, Barry McCaffrey, Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr., Brent Scowcroft, Lloyd Austin, and former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, retired General David Petraeus. Fiction is fun, CWC. He decided to reaffirm his prior allegence to King George and reestablish British rule in New England (the same as Lee fighting for "Virginia"?). Spoiler alert: —– They all mention slavery and prominently. This willful ignorance of the black experience in American history—including in American military history—was critical to the lionization of Confederate heroes and reconciliation with white southern officers. The stronger argument against honouring Confederate generals is that they fought, consciously, to defend an evil regime. That's why the U.S. Government confiscated his home and property and built Arlington Cemetery on top of it. For example, right now, you attempt to raise an army and attack a military base—-Nobody cares that you were a beloved leader (like Hitler). That’s the end of the “traitor” argument. But America is largely, I think, past that point. [74] In the 21st century, women compose approximately 20% of entering new cadets. Quickview. You can make valid arguments about history, etc., but the Left will have none of it. Lee's manservant was a former enslaved person at the Custis plantation, Arlington, who had been freed by Lee and was being paid wages during the war. I care less if you’re a grad. A portion of the original gold is infused with gold from preceding melts to become part of the rings for each 'Firstie' class.[229]. The reason this is a debate is because a lot of people at West Point think we should not honor men that were traitors to the United States and sought to perpetuate the immoral institution of slavery. Our history prior to the war back through the founding of the country should not be forgotten, but when we as a nation made the progress toward recognizing the moral reprehensibility of the institution of slavery there were some who fought for it (and against their country). Sir, I agree with many of your points, and also think the article made some interesting point. The repeated notion that Lee was a traitor that betrayed his country ignores that he defended his state (after resigning), which is where most officers’ loyalties lied in 1861. I’ve expressed to AOG that I wouldn’t be donating any more money to the academy until they right this transgression. If you don't think your actions are subject to interpretation and judgement by people in the future, I'm sorry to inform you, that is not the case. He later returned as Superintendent from 1812 to 1814. Lee was a man of his time and did great things and lived honorably while simultaneously stained by essentially defending slavery. Army football began in 1890, when Navy challenged the cadets to a game of the relatively new sport. It's like saying, "well, he stopped beating his wife, so I fail to understand why we can't celebrate what a great husband he was." [129] Admission to West Point is selective: 12.75% of applicants were admitted (total of 1292) to the Class of 2012. Thank you Cold War Colonel for calling this article out for what it is: a shameful attempt to distort and rewrite history. Abolitionists were a tiny minority. According to a Vanity Fair essay, the LGBT cadets were well accepted. Understand what made him a successful military commander. From that period forward, the narrative at West Point regarding its Confederate graduates markedly changed. Also, Lee was given the opportunity to apply for Amnesty and Pardon for participating in Rebellion. But you won't, because you "tire" of it. As a matter of fact a lot of them went on to serve in Congress, and other government roles. The charge of treason seems less strong to me and the easier to counter. The cadets should learn about it because if you don’t, you are damned to repeat it. Most cadets are housed with one roommate, but some rooms are designed for three cadets. And Arnold did not violate his oath like Lee, he only returned to the country which was his prior to that war. [157], As with all soldiers in the Army, cadets also must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test twice per year. [85][86] President Obama also provided the commencement address in 2014. This is why we have plaques to him and another ‘confederate’ superintendent; Pierre Beauregard. Colloquially, freshmen are plebes, sophomores are yearlings or yuks, juniors are cows, and seniors are firsties. Pardoned for what? [20] During the Quasi-War, Alexander Hamilton laid out plans for the establishment of a military academy at West Point and introduced "A Bill for Establishing a Military Academy" in the House of Representatives. The portrait’s unveiling was the occasion when Gen. Maxwell Taylor claimed that “few fair-minded men can feel today that the issues which divided the North and South in 1861 have any real meaning to our present generation.” He spoke these words only a month after the Army decided to pursue full desegregation and three years before both Emmett Till’s murder and Rosa Parks’s arrest. Thank you for putting this to eloquent words. The 2015 football season marked Navy's fourteenth consecutive victory over Army, the longest streak in the series since inception. Previous pardons had excluded Lee (not by name, but by virtue of him being a graduate of USMA and having been of a rank higher than Colonel(? Do better. The Senate followed suit on June 6. If you only want to argue that the decision to not charge leaders of the South with treason at the time was a good one, that is a discussion of interest, but not a direct argument against the allegation that the actions they took were treasonous. For various reasons these graduates were omitted from the original class roster, and a suffix letter was added to avoid renumbering the entire class and subsequent classes. What lies are you referring to? [78], In 1985, cadets were formally authorized to declare an academic major; all previous graduates had been awarded a general bachelor of science degree. If you say, "I don't think I would have had the guts to stand up against my buddies and fight against them to eliminate slavery." [39][dead link][42] Two of the most notable graduates during this period were George Washington Goethals from the class of 1880, and John J. Pershing from the class of 1886. Not the Hamptons or the history department at Berkeley. Mr. Owen, I like your distinction between monuments that honor and textbooks that teach. You need retraining. Yes, keep your pittance! Originally opened to the public in 1854, the West Point Museum is the oldest military museum in the country. Perhaps every mention of Lee (or other grads who chose to side with the CSA) should be marked with a highly visible footnote to acknowledge this reality. The pain of loss is real and continuing to rub their nose it does not help. Pete Longstreet worked for Grant in New Orleans against former Confederate anarchists. The assertion that Lee did nothing that deserves the Academy’s recognition is absurd. Not looked at through politically colored glasses. Crying about revisionist history is laughable since the reason Lee has been lifted up to Sainthood among many is due to the revisionist history pushed by the powerful group The Daughters of the Confederacy during the early 20th century. Exegete the documents and the history to arrive at the truth. The northern economy which became industrialized while the south relied heavily on agriculture and cotton had the southern economy booming, and yes sadly slavery was at the forefront. Cadet candidates should not wear old ripped clothes, or clothes that could be considered too casual. The majority of candidates receive a nomination from their United States Representative or Senator. Their real motivations were to continue slavery and expand West of the Appalachians – both of which Britain was going to prevent. Mr. Benner, could you please cite and quote the element of the Constitution that supports secession? However, having sworn to never raise arms against he United States again, they were granted their paroles, their freedom and their citizenship. He is the first African American to command West Point. Lee and Jackson will live on at the Military colleges around the globe and be erased here in America-how poignant. The German national anthem is still Deutschland uber Alles. I agree, and certainly in accordance with Lee's early beliefs, that political decisions are best left in the realm of politics. You do NOT get it. [71], West Point admitted its first 119 female cadets in 1976. Do we not honor character traits of forgiveness and reconciliation in our leaders? As others have pointed out, Washington was clearly a traitor to the British crown at the same time that he was also a colonial patriot. Please stop distracting from those who wish to further the conversation with your already-established personal opinion. He was a brilliant tactician, an inspiring leader, a very good Supe, he worked to reconcile the nation after the war, and he was (yes) an honorable man in the context of his time. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm hoping the vast majority of people with connections to the confederacy are strongly opposed to slavery and think that the South should have abandoned it at the time rather than fight the Civil War. If we understood history only through the lens of decided court cases, we would have a sad, unintelligible view of the world. West Point is an important part of our history. Not, other over-taxed states or economically-disadvantaged states. Distribution of wealth in a country is always a problem. The Stars and Stripes flew over slaves for much longer than the Stars and Bars. The victorious North had the means, wherewithal and emotional justification to prosecute any Southerner it wanted, but chose not to. If you are only contending that they were not charge or found guilty of treason then your point is minor and of little bearing on whether we today can consider such actions treasonous. you mean just relevant to YOU. If it is about slavery- and what isn't?- how do the authors deal with the issue of commanders of slave-state outfits that remained in the Union (Maryland, Missouri, Delaware, and Kentucky)? As we all know, the contemporary German Army does not honour Rommel or Model or Manstein, despite their undoubted brilliance as commanders, because they fought for an odious regime. There does seem to be some legal confusion on the matter, but from what I (non-lawyer) can tell, accepting a pardon inherently carries with it an admission of guilt ("Burdick v. United States, 236 U.S. 79 (1915)". The biggest and most celebrated part of Benedict Arnold's legacy at West Point is that he (or his scratched out plaque in the old chapel) was "cancelled" for being a traitor. Hasty emotion? [93][94] In 1841, Charles Dickens visited the academy and said "It could not stand on more appropriate ground, and any ground more beautiful can hardly be. Can they be legally prosecuted and punished by the government for their treason. I was born in raised in the Old South, but have lived across the width and breadth of the nation. They did not demand, they did not threaten. Convicted, charged or not. As current and retired military officers, we should not be making hasty and ill-founded accusations of treason about individuals who haven't committed treason or who haven't been convicted of treason. Put the statues and portraits in places of introspection not elevation. In several places. But there are fair arguments to be made on the other side, some of which have been suggested in this thread. [140] This form of instruction emphasizes small classes with daily homework, and strives to make students actively responsible for their own learning by completing homework assignments prior to class and bringing the work to class to discuss collaboratively. [123][124], To be eligible for appointment, candidates must also undergo a Candidate Fitness Assessment[125] and a complete physical exam. or "I can see how they made the decision to support slavery at the time." With respect to Lee's actions being treasonous, unless you have a better argument; I agree with the authors. "[34] New barracks brought better heat and gas lighting, while new ordnance and tactics training incorporated new rifle and musket technology and accommodated transportation advances created by the steam engine. [231][232] Although being out of their rooms after midnight is officially against regulations, violations have been known to be overlooked for the sake of tradition. If you cannot fathom that argument then you cannot seriously engage in the discussion. If not, who does not have qualities which would justify tearing down their memory? and: They honor him for his contribution to the United States Army, West Point and for what he was able to do many Civil War battlefields. No honors for murderous traitors and no peace for those who allow them to maintain a presence in public places of reverence. Leave him alone, those who refuse to concede to the facts of history. [101], The academy grounds are home to numerous monuments and statues. It strikes me as supremely arrogant to second-guess the decisions of our great-grandparents more than a century and a half later. I don't think I know enough to be certain either way. Lee’s Confederate portrait and any others like it should be removed and placed in the West Point museum or visitors center with appropriate historical context and background. And I say that as a descendant of American Indians who might emotionally desire to see monuments honoring Sherman and Sheridan removed. Even understand the pressures, morals and influences that led him to make his decision about joining the Confederacy. Wash the acts with standard. you obviously dont know anything about Lee or his past or family and that they contributed to this nation for 150 years before it was even a nation. Your oath is (or was) to defend against such people. We have let them rot our institutions and the minds of our youth, and they have grown up thirsting for power over anything else. Another logical test that persuaded me was that if we can honor one American enemy of the flag, why not honor others? [192][193][194] During plebe year, plebes may be asked, and are expected to answer, any inquiry about plebe knowledge asked by upper class cadets. He violated his oath as an officer, therefore, making him a traitor. And that is the second objection to honouring Lee – that his cause was an evil one. Where to begin with how wrong people are for wanting to erase history, when we seem to repeat it so often. But unlike modern cancel culture, West Point left that scratched out plaque up as a statement in and of itself… so he is remembered, but not kindly. I’ll be able to provide you a proper response once my anticipated hangover has subsided. [257] The official alumni association of West Point is the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG or AOG), headquartered at Herbert Hall. That is my primary objection to the article. Justia Law. In recent years, the position of superintendent has been held by a lieutenant general (three star general). [150], Active duty officers in the rank of captain or major serve as Company Tactical Officers (TAC Officers). During a cadet's third summer, they may serve as instructors for CBT or CFT. Talk of slavery became rare—much like black membership in the Corps of Cadets during the first half of the twentieth century—and relics of Robert E. Lee appeared slowly at the academy with the support of southern interest groups. Honestly, is anyone else getting tired of this? You are correct, we did leave the fact that Lee’s grandchildren were present at the presentation, however if you view the picture of the portrait you will see both of Lee’s grandchildren at the unveiling. If you are hiding behind legal cover to defend your immoral behavior, you are still being immoral. Other nomination sources include the president and vice president. "[56] West Point was first officially accredited in 1925, and in 1933 began granting Bachelor of Science degrees to all graduates. He believed unswervingly in the Constitutional validity of his cause which until 1865 was still an arguable question in America; he was a poised and inspiring leader, true to the high trust reposed in him by millions of his fellow citizens; he was thoughtful yet demanding of his officers and men, forbearing with captured enemies but ingenious, unrelenting and personally courageous in battle, and never disheartened by a reverse or obstacle. In any case, I have argued in the chain above that the fact Lee and his fellows fought against the USA is a weak argument. The U.S. Army Garrison[261] includes a Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Provost Marshal and Military Police, Religious Program Support, Keller Army Community Hospital, the West Point Dental Activity, the USMA Band (a regular Army band—USMA cadets are not members of the USMA band), and the Directorate of Human Resources (DHR). [239] A small number of cadets may be relieved of their tours that day if their uniforms are exceptionally presentable. You should be aware that Lincoln first freed the slaves in the south and left the slaves in the north under subjection until later. "[81][243] Graduates of the academy refer to themselves as "The Long Gray Line," a phrase taken from the academy's traditional hymn "The Corps. We make that decision today, not in the past, and we get to take into account our present understanding of race and slavery. It is all over the comments to this article. Another tradition associated with punishment tours is that any visiting head of state has the authority to grant "amnesty," releasing all cadets with outstanding hours from the remainder of their assigned tours. The Battle Monument was erected to memorialize all Union Army regulars who were killed during the Civil War. He is a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and an incoming PhD student at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Administration at George Washington University, and will teach at West Point upon completion of his degree. Your definition of a traitor is inaccurate at the least. PN, yes, that is the definition of treason we have all sworn to support and defend. The South is bad, the war was all about slavery, anything Southern is bad, and we as a country have always been wrong and racist. In my opinion, the removal of these statues / portraits without explaining the how, when, why does a disservice to the long fight against racism. ", "The Thayer method of instruction at the United States Military Academy: a modest history and a modern personal account", "West Point cadets compete to earn slots at top-class training programs", "Cadet Committee at West Point Does Away with 'The Silence, accessible here (see final paragraph marked, "West Point accuses more than 70 cadets of cheating in worst academic scandal in nearly 45 years", "FAQ: Who Attends the US Military Academy", "Arvin Cadet Physical Development Center Grand Opening", "USMA Class of 2009: Officers and committees", "Class of 2009, "For Your Freedom and Mine, "FAQ:What is the Cadet Leader Development System like? Nowhere did either of us suggest that slavery was “a cause worth fighting for,” or that you are under any obligation to agree with or validate Lee’s sense of honor, nor did I offer my own personal stance on the issue. Legend states that Army will beat Navy if the goats win, and the opposite if the engineers win. Because, believe it or not non white officers and soldiers know the false narrative provided by history. A Leader’s Guide to Conducting Research Staff Rides, committee of powerful southern financiers, Going Virtual: Wargaming in an Era of Telework, Travel Restrictions, and Social Distancing, Pacific Gambit: The Role of Irregular Warfare in Australia’s Great Strategic Shift, China Will Test the New US Administration, but the Questions Are How and Where, Call for Submissions: Polar SOF Essay Contest, Without Firing a Shot: Coercion and Strategy in an Era of Great Power Competition, Announcing MWI’s 2020–21 Fellows and Adjunct Scholars. Taxation? There are a number of theories for the origin of the term cow; however the most prevalent and probably accurate one is that cadets in years past had no leave until the end of their yearling year, when they were granted a summer-long furlough. Otherwise it is long past time the Lost Cause" BS be tossed to the garbage can of historical propaganda along with the USSR's Pravda.. I'm not talking torching paintings, dumping statues in the river. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LjXcobjnpQ. West Point is home to the Sylvanus Thayer Award. Leadership responsibility decreases with the lower classes, with second class cadets holding the rank of cadet sergeant, third class cadets holding the rank of cadet corporal, and fourth class cadets as cadet privates. Beginning with the Class of 1978, graduates were listed alphabetically, and then by date of graduation. The study of his tactics as an enemy combatant is necessary as are those of Forrest, Thomas's Jackson, Joe Johnston, Rommel, Ludendorff, and other foes of the USA. The upper class cadets saw it as their duty to "teach the plebes their manners. Finally, a dispassionate look at the issue. Above average high school and/or previous college grades, and strong performance on standardized testing is expected. [121], Candidates must be between 17 and 23 years old (waivers have been accepted for 24 year olds in rare cases where the candidate is in the military and deployed and therefore unable to attend before his or her 24th birthday), unmarried, and with no legal obligation to support a child. Furthermore, I recognize that simply changing names and symbols alone does not result in real, substantive change; and pales in comparison to seeing minorities in leadership positions throughout West Point’s USCC, faculty, and administration. They terrorised the far larger percentage of British Loyalists to obtain their goals. Our founding Father's died for liberty from an oppressive government. My lazy assumption will be that your arguments are not very good. I read through it, and nothing jumped out, but at the same time I'm not an expert on West Point history. That is Day 1 instilled in us at the Academy. He is currently an incoming JD candidate at Yale Law School. 3? The writers of this article are repeating the lyankee and federal government myth that the ”Lost Cause was a Myth”.because they still refuse to admit the war was started over $$$ and power. Maybe if you study the war for a few more years you will run across the southern states declarations of succession. What would have your response been to such an invasion. Right now. However, you can judge the current actions happening in your current environment. It makes a great story. ; A Critical Look at The Way the Army Trains Its Cadets", "Fairfax County's Simone Askew Is First Black Woman to Lead West Point Cadets", "Macungie woman named First Captain at West Point", "For a Bastion of Tradition, A New World; Events of Sept. 11 Altered West Point, Too", "West Point adopts gender-neutral song lyrics | Army Times", "Before Audience of Cadets, a Sobering Message of War", "Remarks by the President at the United States Military Academy Commencement Ceremony", "Gay pride groups appear at U.S. military academies - CNN.com", "So What's It Like to Be a Gay Cadet at West Point These Days? Absolutely not. I couldn't find the document in any easily accessed location. Before his death in 1892, General Cullum completed the first three volumes of a work that eventually comprised 10 volumes, titled General Cullum's Biographical Register of the Officers and Graduates of the United States Military Academy, and covering USMA classes from 1802 through 1850. First, I am not a West Point Grad so maybe my opinion doesn't belong here but I think Lee's post war activities should not be lost on this debate. C9ngress passed.an act restoring his citizenship. [103] There is also a statue commemorating brotherhood and friendship from the École Polytechnique in the cadet central area just outside Nininger Hall. Lee's personal involvement with many of his students reflected his desire to create a new generation of Americans. Men. "[237] Cadets who walk more than 100 total hours in their career are affectionately known as "Century Men. Respectfully, Lee was a Christian, and historians regard him as an accomplished tactician, but so was Hitler. Many of the older grave sites have large and ornate grave markers, the largest belonging to Egbert Viele (class of 1847), chief engineer of Brooklyn's Prospect Park. [109], The visitor's center is just outside the Thayer Gate in the village of Highland Falls and offers the opportunity to arrange for a guided tour.
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