50-Year Affiliation Program
Beginning on R-Day, the entering cadet class is paired with an alumni class that is fifty years its senior. Over the next four years, the graduates will accompany their affiliated cadets at significant Academy events (e.g. Cow Affirmation Ceremony, Ring Weekend, Branch Night).
As cadets “Grip Hands” with those who preceded them a half-century earlier, the 50-year Affiliation Program has matured to become an indispensable element in not only the development of cadets but also in the strengthening of the Long Gray Line.
Please direct any questions about this program to the Office of Class Support, 845.446.1614 50YearAffiliation@
Reception Day
This event, the initial element of the 50-Year Affiliation Program, kicks off at approximately zero dark thirty on R-Day. A dozen or so members of the 50-Year Affiliation class (and their spouses) provide water to incoming cadet candidates and breakfast to their families and loved ones. Two water stations are manned: one at intake and one at the entrance to Eisenhower Hall. Breakfast is hosted at Ike’s Riverside Cafe. Later that day, members of the affiliation class move to join families to witness the swearing-in ceremony that formally initiates the new class into the Academy. The purpose of R-Day participation is to welcome and connect with cadet-candidates’ loved ones.
Acceptance Day
Many graduates join the newest cadet class for the March Back (a DAA event) from summer training to Post. The following Saturday, Acceptance Day marks the end of Cadet Basic Training, as “new cadets” are accepted as a “cadet” into the U.S. Corps of Cadets. A member of the newest affiliation class joins members from the other three affiliation classes to comprise the reviewing party for the A-Day Parade. These four representatives and their spouses are typically invited to sit in the Superintendent’s Review Box. The focus of this event is to welcome the plebe class into the Corps of Cadets, and the affiliation class reviewing party serves to reinforce the connection between this incoming class and those that preceded it.
Class Crest Unveiling Ceremony
During Plebe Parent Weekend in the spring, two members of the affiliation class (along with their spouses), join the plebe class and their families in the Mess Hall to witness the unveiling of the Plebe Class Crest. The 50-Year Affiliation class members in attendance enjoy a meal, socialize with cadets and their families, and pose for a photo with the newly unveiled crest and the cadet class leadership. Attending the crest unveiling is an opportunity to show your support for the legacy your cadet affiliation class is beginning to craft.
Class Flag Presentation
For the past several years, this event has occurred at the promotion ceremony of Cadet Field Training at Camp Buckner. The affiliation class presents the new yearling class with their class colors, a beautiful class flag mounted on a brass-tipped staff. The presentation of the colors is preceded by announcements of unit and individual awards for Cadet Field Training. At the conclusion of this event, the members of the affiliation class in attendance (typically four, and no spouses are invited) join the class on the field in celebration. The purpose of 50-Year Affiliation class members attending this event is to celebrate the milestone-accomplishment of graduating CFT and to gift the cadet class the flag that will move forward with them in perpetuity.
Affirmation Ceremony
During this momentous occasion, which occurs the evening prior to the first day of classes, members of the affiliation class present members of the cow class with a joint Class Coin symbolizing the commitment of both to the Profession of Arms. During the ceremony an especially noteworthy member of the affiliation class addresses the cow class in Eisenhower Hall right before the Commandant administers the Affirmation Oath. This event is preceded by a reception in the ’63 Lounge during which class history panels are unveiled. The purpose of 50-Year Affiliation class’s investment in the Affirmation Ceremony is to welcome the cadet class into the Profession of Arms.
Ring Weekend
During Ring Weekend, two members of the affiliation class, with spouses, attend the First Class Ring Presentation Ceremony, the Commandant’s Reception, the Ring Banquet, and the Ring Hop. Their presence during this weekend serves to curate and strengthen their class connection with the cadet class.
Branch Night
First Class cadets learn the results of their branch selection during a November ceremony at Eisenhower Hall. During this significant event, a distinguished member of the affiliation class speaks to the First Class cadets about the potential impact of their branch assignments. Once the affiliation speaker and Commandant have made their remarks to the firsties, the command is given to “Open Envelopes,” at which time they rip open the envelopes containing the official notification of their respective branches. The notification cards and envelopes, as well as the branch insignia (their “First Brass”), will be received this evening courtesy of the affiliation class. The theater portion of the evening is followed by a reception (hosted by the Branches and DMI) throughout Ike Hall. Each branch has a table set up and invites 50-Year Affiliation class members to join them in congratulating the cadets and ensuring each receives their First Brass. The purpose of the 50-Year Affiliation class attending this event is celebration. The ceremony is live-streamed, and the excitement level is high. Some cadets may request that a member of the 50-Year Affiliation class “pin them,” and many want to bask in the knowledge that they have joined an honorable branch.
Graduation – 2LT Bar Presentation
A fitting way to culminate the 50-Year Affiliation Program’s four years at West Point, four distinguished members of the affiliation class present members of the graduating class with their first set of 2LT bars. The backs of the brass are engraved with the last two digits of the cadet’s graduation year and affiliation class, symbolizing the ever-lasting connection between these two classes, which has been forged over the four-year affiliation relationship. This event is all the more memorable as the presentation of the 2LT bars occurs on the field as the cadets are leaving the dais after receiving their diplomas. These handshakes and bar presentations demonstrate the importance attached to this program by cadets, the Academy, and the Long Gray Line.
