west point letter to class of 2020
“Loyalty is the most abused attribute of leadership. As a commissioned uniformed officer, it was a mistake that I have learned from, and I sincerely hope we all can learn from it.”. Head hockey coach Brian Riley salutes his program's Class of 2020. General Milley said, “As senior leaders, everything you do will be closely watched. Sign up for the Early Bird Brief - a daily roundup of military and defense news stories from around the globe. This is not about party; it is about principle. America needs your leadership. This is my voice. West Point Grads’ Letter To Class Of 2020 Calls Out One Of Its Most Powerful Alumni: Esper. When we graduated from West Point and were commissioned in the United States Army or one of its fellow services, we took an oath to defend the nation and the Constitution. They're part of a … WEST POINT, N.Y. — In an extraordinary letter to the U.S. Military Academy’s graduating class, a coalition of several hundred West Point alumni slammed the … and some that don’t (but are still interesting). Desperation, fear, anxiety, anger, and helplessness are the daily existence for too many Americans. You represent the country’s diversity of race, ethnicity, identity and beliefs. We, a diverse group of West Point graduates, are concerned. Our lifetime commitment is to the enduring responsibility expressed in the Cadet Prayer: “to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole can be won.”. . www.debra.photography. Sadly, the government has threatened to use the Army in which you serve as a weapon against fellow Americans engaging in these legitimate protests. More than 500 West Point graduates from classes spanning six decades signed an open letter reminding the Class of 2020 of its commitment to avoid partisan politics. Our Nation has invested in you and entrusts you with demonstrating the values we expect of our leaders. We support you. This is a moment in our history when speaking out is essential. The West Point grads left the class of 2020 with another piece of advice, inspired by recent events. However, I would urge you to be civil and respectable. Your email address will not be published. Reflections.blog is an online newsletter with observations about things that matter . Your West Point journey has led you to this moment when, with right hands raised, you take an oath “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” This oath has no expiration date. seniors, seniors seniors. Your loyalty will be questioned, and some will attempt to use it against you. You represent the country’s diversity of race, ethnicity, identity and beliefs. We should all be grateful that senior military leaders, as well as graduates of the United States Military Academy, are finding the courage to speak out. The letter, published this week on Medium, also alluded to the problems Esper and Milley encountered at … “I should not have been there,” Milley said in a keynote speech at a National Defense University graduation ceremony. These are difficult times, but we are confident you will rise to the challenge and do your part as leaders in our Army. More than 500 West Point graduates from classes spanning six decades signed an open letter reminding the Class of 2020 of its commitment to avoid partisan politics. General Mark Milley said today that he regrets joining Trump in his walk to St. John’s Church, where Trump cynically held up a Bible in an appeal to his base, and in which hundreds of peaceful protesters were routed with teargas and rubble bullets so Trump and his entourage could walk to the church. If you agree with me—or disagree—I would enjoy reading your comments or questions. A group of my fellow graduates published the following letter on June 11, 2020. We will not tolerate those who “lie, cheat or steal.” We pledge to stand for the sacred democratic principle that all are treated equally, and each person has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As a commissioned uniformed officer, it was a mistake that I have learned from, and I sincerely hope we all can learn from it.”. On June 11th, an angry and mournful letter signed by hundreds of graduates of … 11 June 2020. by Globalist News. Your commitment to your oath will be tested throughout your career. Open Letter. You are beginning your careers at a tumultuous time. More than 500 West Point graduates from classes spanning six decades signed an open letter reminding the Class of 2020 of its commitment to avoid partisan politics. My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics. Like the classes before you, the Class of 2020 comes with varied life experiences from across America and beyond. Concerned Members of the Long Gray Line, a coalition of several hundred West Point alumni from six decades of graduating classes who collectively served across ten presidential administrations. “Worse, military leaders, who took the same oath you take today, have participated in politically charged events.”, Get the military's most comprehensive news and information every morning. Mary Tobin, a West Point graduate, is mentor to some recent alumni who wrote an open letter to academy leaders. WEST POINT, N.Y. -- During a ceremony Nov. 13, 1,089 members of the Class of 2020 at the U.S. Military Academy received their assignments for which branch of … Reflections on things that matter .