WEST POINT, NY – State Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) and Assemblyman Chris Eachus (D-New Windsor) celebrated the 71st annual West Point Day with cadets and leadership from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The annual legislative tradition commemorates the oldest continuously occupied Army post in the United States that played a vital role during the American Revolution and has produced leaders dedicated to protecting American democracy.
Senator Skoufis and Assemblyman Eachus introduced a resolution in their respective chambers to recognize April 26th as West Point Day. The day included private meals with the legislators, a tour of the Capitol building, and presentation of certificates to the cadets in attendance.
Both lawmakers expressed their gratitude for the exceptional cadets and their commitment to serving the country. “Men and women from all over the country attend West Point to experience the rigorous physical and academic training needed to produce our greatest leaders. As their representative in the State Senate, I will never lose sight of their commitment or their sacrifices,” said Senator Skoufis.
Assemblyman Eachus, a member of the Veteran’s Committee and representative of the 99th District, added, “These exceptional cadets represent the next generation of leaders and bring me continued faith in our nation’s strength and the protection of our democracy. I am proud to represent West Point and will continue to fight for our military members and their families in Albany.”
The West Point leadership in attendance included Lieutenant General Steven Gilland (61st Superintendent, USMA), Lieutenant Colonel Matthew C. Dawson (Executive Officer to the Superintendent), Lieutenant Colonel Beth Smith (Public Affairs Officer, USMA), and First Captain Lauren Drysdale. Major Shawn S. Lee, Regimental Chaplain, provided the day’s invocation.
As the oldest continuously occupied Army post in the United States, West Point played a major role during the American Revolution and has produced leaders who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting American democracy. This annual celebration gives legislators an opportunity to elevate the commitment and leadership of USMA cadets and those who came before them, while recognizing the great legacy of West Point. The day also included private meals with the legislators, a tour of the Capitol building, and presentation of certificates to those cadets in attendance.
The annual West Point Day celebration is an opportunity for legislators to recognize the great legacy of West Point and to elevate the commitment and leadership of USMA cadets and those who came before them. It honors the dedication of the cadets who represent the next generation of leaders and who are committed to serving their country.