On May 27, USMA celebrated the accomplishments and perseverance of the Class of 2023 as its 941 members completed their 47-month West Point experience and were commissioned as the next generation of officers in the U.S. Army.
The class consists of 216 women, 89 African-Americans, 65 Asian/Pacific Islanders, 152 Hispanics, six Native Americans, and 59 class members who were prior service, 11 of which are combat veterans. Moreover, 114 members who graduated attended the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School.
“Thank you for entrusting your sons and daughters to us these past four years, and thank you for the love, support, and encouragement you’ve given to them along the way. They are here today because of it,” said Superintendent LTG Steven Gilland. “Also, I’d like to acknowledge the members of the ‘proud and free class of 1973,’ the 50-year affiliate class for today’s graduating class.
“Developing leaders takes a village, and we thank you for being part of our village these past four years,” Gilland added. “We are grateful for your support and mentorship over the past four years, which have shown them the strength and resilience of the Long Gray Line. Class of 2023 Freedom is not free. Congratulations and well done.”
First Captain – Lauren E. Drysdale
Valedictorian – Elle M. Bennett
Class President – Melic G. Belong
Vice President Kamala Harris shared Gilland’s sentiments and discussed the significance of the Class of 2023 joining the ranks of the U.S. Army and what it means for the future of the nation. She also addressed technology’s key role in influencing young officers as they work to advance the Army warfighter.
“Since your first day on campus, the world has drastically changed. A once-in-a-century global pandemic took millions of lives and disrupted life for billions more; America ended our longest war; and Russia launched the first major war in Europe since World War II,” Harris said. “Looking forward to the future, it is clear you will graduate into an increasingly unsettled world where long-standing principles are at risk.
“… Let us also be clear: the power of America’s military rests not only on our technology, our weaponry, and our hardware but also on the character and the results of our people,” Harris added. “America has no greater resource, no greater strategic asset than the men and women who wear our uniform. Our Soldiers are the best trained and most prepared in the world. The most effective, most cohesive, and most lethal warriors in the world. And as officers, you are about to be granted one of the greatest privileges and most sacred duties that our nation can bestow: to lead American service members.”
The Class of 1973, the WPAOG 50-Year Affiliate Class, has developed a special relationship with the Class of 2023. Beginning with the USMA Preparatory School cadet candidates in the summer of 2018, members of the Class of 1973 have engaged with and supported the Class of 2023 every step of the way to Graduation. Four representatives of the Class of 1973, COL (R) Robert P. Kane, Jr., LTC (R) Albert A. Sciarretta, Mr. Thomas C. Shull, LTG (R) Jeffrey A. Sorenson, gave each graduate their second lieutenant bars, engraved with “73-23” symbolizing the everlasting connection between these two classes.
