By Erika Norton, WPAOG Senior Multimedia Journalist

Old Grads marched alongside new cadets from the West Point Class of 2028 as they concluded their Cadet Basic Training with a 12-mile road march from Lake Frederick to West Point on Monday, August 12.

This was the 25th Grad March Back and boasted the largest participation, with nearly 400 graduates in attendance to grip hands with the newest members of the Long Gray Line. Over 100 members of their 50-Year Affiliate Class of 1978 were also present to support the Class of 2028. 

The March Back begins before sunrise when the new cadets depart Lake Frederick on foot, travel along Routes 293 and 9W, and then cross over the West Point Golf Course bridge. This event is the culmination of six weeks of Cadet Basic Training, a rigorous program that trains new cadets in basic military skills and prepares them for entry into the Corps of Cadets. The Class of 2028 reported to West Point for Reception Day on July 1.

The cadets passed in review and displayed a banner featuring their newly created class motto, “No Calling Too Great,” for the first time.

Members of the Class of 2028 will be officially accepted into the Corps of Cadets during the Acceptance Day parade on Saturday, August 17.