As part of the 50-year Class affiliation program, the Class of 1972 presented a class flag to the Class of 2022 today at the Cadet Field Training graduation ceremony at Camp Buckner.

Beginning on R-Day, each entering cadet class is paired with an alumni class that is fifty years its senior, so the Class of 1972 is the Fifty-Year Affiliate for the Class of 2022. Over the four years at West Point, the graduates will accompany their affiliated cadets at significant Academy events (Reception Day, Acceptance Day, Class Crest Unveiling, Yearling Flag Presentation, Cow Affirmation, Ring Weekend, Branch Night, and Graduation). Their joint participation strengthens the bonds between the classes and reinforces the ideals of West Point and the United States Army.

Today, the president of the Class of 2022, Cadet Xavier Williams, received the class flag from COL(R) Jerry Hamilton ‘72. From this day forward, the flag will remain with the Class of 2022 and will be displayed at class events at West Point.

Members from the 50 Year Affiliate Class of 1972 in attendance at the ceremony were: Mr. Michael Aldrich, COL (R) William R Phillips, LTC (R) Duston Saunders, Mr. Gary Sarpen, Mr. Jim Barnes, COL (R) Jerry Hamilton, LTC (R) Tim Lupfer and LTC (R) Paul Capofari.