There is a stark resemblance that is shared between the United States’ de facto motto: Out of many, One and the Class of 2022’s motto: For many, Stand the Few. Just as the motto is seen in Latin on our nation’s Great Seal as E PLURIBUS UNUM, we wished to emulate this alignment with our class being the first ever to present the class motto in Latin: PRO MULTIS PAUCI PRAESIDENT. The bald eagle dutifully, yet courageously grips the beautifully-alliterated class motto flowing in the wind in its beak with arrows and an olive branch in-hand, just as it is shown in our nation’s Great Seal.
“For Many, Stand the Few” is a beautifully accurate representation of the goals of our class upon graduation four short years. The “few” that stand up for the “many” must illustrate certain qualities that distinguish themselves from those in which they are protecting. Personal courage is the ability to show strength in the face of pain or grief, and complete the mission in the face of fear. The eagle in our crest displays an “understated courageousness” that describes our classes’ ability to pose ourselves as a force to be reckoned with, without needing to show it until it is necessary to do so. The Class of 2022 is always ready to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and this fact is understood to “the many”.
Looking toward the top of the crest, the hills in the background displays the view as if you were standing at Trophy Point looking out to the view of the rolling Hudson River and West Point’s unique terrain. Not only will cadets always have a view of West Point with them wherever they may be in the world later in life, but they will also always remember that they can “lift [their] eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh [their] help” for strength, which the eagle is imitating our crest (Psalm 121:1 KJV).
Our hope is that the Class of 2022’s crest displays strength, solidarity, and the overall level of personal courage that is required of us upon graduation, and our natural affinity towards such qualities so far in our cadet careers. The Class of 2022 is ready for the challenges that we will soon face in protecting our country in the midst of fear and uncertainty, as we will always have in mind that “for many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
