Reminiscences - West Point Class of 2017 Farewell [4K]

[@bullsilverback4354]

I had a private in my unit who after watching your video decided that his dream was to go to West Point, so we did everything we could to help him submit a successful application. He commissions next year year as class of 2024. Thanks for inspiring other people with your video.

[@AustinLachance]

Incredible!

[@jamestallakson8999]

This is the leadership we need. I had a BC and PL who were supportive of me applying when I was a new soldier. Unfortunately that came to a halt when I got hurt and was medboarded but I found my way back in after 6 yrs and a long waiver process. Leaders need to help their troops advance their careers any way possible.

[@meganmcgrady4953]

My son has been watching your videos for years now. He is now 12 years old and decided 3 years ago that he wants to go to West Point and be a cadet. Your videos have inspired him to try and follow this dream. Your videos are amazing and you are extremely talented. Congratulations to you Austin and all the cadets graduating today. Best of luck in your future endeavors! God Bless!

[@AustinLachance]

Megan McGrady that's incredible to hear! I wish them luck on their pursuit of the Long Gray Line!!

[@allykat5899]

Austin Lachance why are you wearing dress blues is it like a tradition to leave west point in your dress uniform for the last time

[@AustinLachance]

On our last day at the Academy (graduation), we also have personal commissioning ceremonies with our Army Blues, so the idea is that LT Batley & myself were on our way to our commissioning ceremony, leaving our rooms for the last time

[@peterzhang788]

God bless!Dream come true!

[@rpanerio]

Megan, as a member of the Long Gray Line, and a West Point Admissions Officer CA03; I would encourage you and your son to reach out early to the West Point Admissions Office. Starting early will give him time to apply to West Point.

[@SirJacob220]

Class of ‘03. This video touched me big time. I spent so many moments at that place wishing I was somewhere else. And now, after all these years. many of my fondest dreams and remembrances are of the Corps, and the Corps, and the Corps.

[@davidchadwick7196]

As an "old grad" from the Class of '77 as I view this video in June 2020, I want to say that it choked me up and moved me to tears. This is how we USMA grads feel when we are leaving West Point after 4 arduous but amazingly fulfilling years with our whole careers/lives ahead of us. It's a very poignant moment and this video captures it magnificently, including the majestic musical score that perfectly accents the video. Thanks for the (great) memories!

[@davidchadwick7196]

Austin - you on FB or linkedin? Was looking for you but there are too many with your name.

[@barbaradunn5017]

David, thank you for your service.

[@propriusly]

You never cross the same river twice. You can never return, no matter how much you may dream. Some memories will fade, others will come back as though they happened yesterday. The faces of your classmates will remain forever young. You will always treasure having just been part of something bigger than yourself. USMA '77

[@barbaradunn5017]

Why didn't he take book back to bookstore, so the next cadet could use it?

[@davidchadwick7196]

@@barbaradunn5017 In our day, many of the cadets literally burned books in a big fire. Especially Calculus, Chemistry, and others. More of a "good riddance". Nowadays it's likely that they sell the books back, but I wouldn't be surprised if some folks still tossed them.

[@Tablesaw0378]

gonna miss the videos, but now I get to start living them. Class of 2021!

[@jpfuzz3918]

How is it going?

[@cdrocrossdiscovery]

Hoo-ah!! Best of success!

[@WowzaMemes]

how is it going brah?

[@stevenaltepeter5158]

Hoo-ah go army beat navy

[@slitherthewizardofwither6959]

Hope you didn't cheat

[@PlamenDrop]

That calculus book cost over $300. My heart dropped when it went into the trash.

[@sce2aux464]

Eh, big deal. It was paid for by the taxpayers. :/

[@patricius312]

@@sce2aux464 the kids pay for their books out of their allownaces

[@sce2aux464]

@@patricius312 - Which was paid for by the taxpayers...

[@Culperrr]

@@sce2aux464 Not necessarily. So, quick history lesson. West Point has been getting funded by Congress since 1802. However, they aren't only funded by the government. In 2015, $50 million was donated by private donors. 30% of that money goes towards academics, while the other 70% goes to facilities, athletics, and other programs. Cadets get paid $900 a year in stipends. That money from the donors could possibly be being used to pay that $900. So is it really the taxpayer's money being used for there books? We will never truly know because that information is confidential, as there is personal info involved. Yes, many things are being paid by the taxpayer's towards West Point, but that's fine with me. In my eyes, my money is potentially going towards creating the next generation of officers that will eventually be leading our military. Its the least that I could do, lol.

[@mranderson5668]

Why do they need to learn calculus?

[@grahamhedrick7431]

My nephew was in your graduating class.Best of luck to all of the class of 2017. Thank you all for what you have just completed to keep us all safe.

[@mikeschultz2172]

'91 grad here...brought back lots of memories...graduation week was like wow, it's over!?

[@didierroux1547]

Short video but worthy of certain scenes from the great John Ford ! Thanks Sharing !

[@ostaraeb4293]

Very emotional for this middle-aged man and seeing young men that could be my sons. The Nation is very proud of you and we love you as you'll always be our sons and daughters.

[@fredbothwell261]

As there seems to be a growing division in outlook and values between older and more recent grads, your film brilliantly documents some of the most dramatic moments in the West Point experience that we've all shared or will share since Sylvanus Thayer - the day that we finally "put away the cadet grey and donned the Army blue" - a day of ending one life and and beginning a new one - and another experience that we will all likely share - honoring the memory of classmates who have gone before us.- an increasingly frequent experience over time, that cements the bonds between those of us who carry on. Well Done.

[@AustinLachance]

Thank you sir, I truly appreciate it!

[@fredbothwell261]

I hope the Army gives you a chance to apply your talent for the good of the service.

[@dfcrone]

This Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer who has served more time with the Marine Corps then the Navy--- Approves... You understand the Brotherhood. Go forth and Lead... Semper..

[@benphillips5517]

Darrell Crone West Point is for the army not Marines

[@pianofry1138]

@Abigail Miller Not usually if you want to be a Marine you go to the Naval Academy

[@baxterschumacher9186]

Semper Chief

[@cm-pr2ys]

Notice how the person that posted the video didn’t comment? It’s because you CAN go to the Marines after West Point, but’s harder to get a conditional release approved since you are effectively abandoning your “Army team” you spent 4 years with and promised to serve for 5 in favor of another branch. It has been done though. Gunny Google is your friend. Yut!

[@ryankuypers1819]

@Kyle Olsen As a 1997 West Point graduate allow me to correct you. Yes, West Point graduates can commission into the Navy, Marines, and Air Force. It requires a one for one transfer (e.g. one West Point grad swaps spots with one Naval Academy grad). I had a classmate commission into the Marines and two (husband and wife) classmates commission into the Air Force. I don't recall anyone going into the Navy, but it's possible.

[@EmG848]

This was really well done. Big ups to the subject and the behind the scenes crew, putting something like this together seems simple, but not so easy. Well done!

[@bgibbons7111]

Sir, Your videos have had a profound impact on my life. They have opened up my mind to a bigger picture and have shown me how I can someday hope to follow my dreams. You have done a great service to myself and my fellow cadet candidates by making these amazing videos over the past few years. We are truly grateful for the time that you have put into these masterpieces. Thank you for all that you have done and for all that you will do for our country in the future. -Brinton

[@AustinLachance]

B Gibbons thank you, I truly appreciate it! And I wish you best of luck moving forward!!

[@DrSteph-ml1ts]

My daughter just finished beast...class of 2021. I love your videos, and will make sure she watches them! Beautiful work....

[@tailhookmd2546]

Dr. Steph I volunteer at USNA. These young men and women represent everything that is right and just in our country. Thank you for her commitment to service. Bravo Zulu!

[@genjameshdickinson2648]

Thanks for your nice comment I will reply to your comment on my private email Thanks [e-mail]

[@pinstripe1154]

I keep watching this video over and over; I love it. My dream school. UPDATE TWO YEARS LATER: just completed CBT and now officially part of the Corps!

[@bugwber]

I am not an academy graduate, but this definitely brings back memories of college graduation for sure. So many memories. The people. The experiences. The campus itself. In the end, the day after graduation, I gave my key to the apt. mngr., and my brother, who was at my graduation, and I got in my car and drove off. Full days drive home. I too took that last look around the apt. Realized what's done is done, then closed the door. And so it goes.

[@davidcho2452]

I can't thank you enough for your dedication to share experiences with others. Your videos have had a profound effect on me as they helped me to further push myself to achieve my college dream, going to West Point, Class of 2023. I wish the best upon your future. These videos will stay in my memory.

[@jacksongraham9736]

Throughout college starting in 2017 I found myself watching this video a few times a year. I somehow feel a connection although the circumstances are different. Now with 5 weeks to graduate this resonates more than ever with me. Life truly is about living in the moment. Just wanted to say thank you for the video and god speed.

[@charlesmitchell4718]

Thanks for bringing back the nightmares. Graduated in 1981 and only returned once - and not by choice. Hate the place. When I ask friends what were the best 4 years of their lives, they always say "college." When asked what were the 4 worst years of my life, I say "West Point." Went on to retire as COL of Infantry, 2 combat tours in Iraq. No regrets about that - but wish I had gone ROTC or even OCS.

[@yvonnemariathurtell4468]

This video actually made me cry

[@fnln544]

What a really classy, nice video. I'm not (respectfully) a West Point graduate, but (as a former non-commissioned officer and officer candidate), I shared similar feelings when I graduated Officer Candidate School. It's humbling to think of the history (people and places) of the grounds, and honored men and women who trailblazed, sacrificed, came before you and honorably served in military uniform. Best wishes and blessings to the cadets and officer candidates...and new officers! And an even greater admiration for enlisted soldiers who we are privileged to serve with.

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

Impressive, just impressive. I am a University of Illinois graduate. I enlisted but your video reminds me of the the day, 50 years ago, that I finished basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood. Thank you!

[@SaltiDawg2008]

I agree! *s/ Retired 24 Year US Navy Submariner - USNA Class of 1965 - Former Enlisted Man*

[@UnderMyHatAdventures]

Wow! I'm not in the military or anything but I found this to be so beautiful. So glad I stumbled upon it. Congratulations on your graduation. I hope your post grad life is going well.

[@USAIRFORCE621]

This video was incredible, it is hard to put into words just how awe inspiring it is, and that quote on the headstone is one I'll remember always!

[@rodrigues2793101]

Man, I felt that way when I graduated at the Army Sergeants School. Time passed so fast. Lots of memories, and the feeling of an accomplished mission. Nice video, greetings from Brazil! 🇧🇷

[@davidsullivan7141]

I went to high school with Nick Wright. Every time I watch this it gets to me. Awesome video man.

[@sophiahatfield4748]

Congratulations!! I’m a little late, but watching this made me tear up. I love your videos!! I’ve decided to take on the West Point challenge. ❤️

[@yipan51]

I love the music and deep expression of his compassion and love to West Point!

[@ashercroy4982]

Can't tell you how much I love and enjoy these videos

[@milesogden-powers4717]

Your videos are incredible and I'm going to miss them a lot. Best of luck to you moving forward!

[@DANNYYIM1999]

fantastic work. will miss these videos

[@eeeroc]

I hope that someone else could pick up the baton and hopefully keep these types of videos going! Great job these past years!

[@Torch2mua1]

I ENLISTED😂😂😂. Still mad respect to the men and women of the Service Academy's

[@didierroux3193]

Nostalgia deep moment ! Thanks for this video

[@jarodputhukudy936]

This is the very first video I watched from this channel. And I'm still moved by this video, even though idk the context Great video. Keep it up!

[@thedailydoseofrandomnesscr1931]

You'll serve your country proud!

[@devonchambers7569]

Thank you for sharing. A masterpiece, the story wonderfully told. I do hope your service as an Army officer along with your West Point experiences will bring you a treasure trove of memories to cherish for a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your West Point experiences with all of us. Thank you.

[@ronaldlavender9657]

WEST POINTERS: REMEMBER WHEN OUR NATION HAS FACED CRISES AND ADVERSITY WE HAVE TURNED TO THE LONG GRAY LINE. YOU CARRY HEAVY RESPONSOBILITY ON YOUR YOUNG SHOULDERS. GOD BLESS COLONEL THAYER AND ALL GRADUATES.

[@LosAngeles2011]

Great! Respect from Belarus!

[@Kim-pn4vb]

You do such a great job! I am going to miss your videos of USMA. Best of luck to you! WP mom of a 2018

[@donnathomas7302]

Thank you for posting. Great video and Godspeed in your future.

[@wheelndeal1962]

I'm so proud my son is a 2022 West Pointer. Plebe Parent Weekend is almost here!

[@travisprince7770]

Thank you, my friend. That was an incredibly powerful video.

[@parkerhanes3475]

A week out from graduation and this hits hard haha

[@ronnakamoto7003]

Was a TAC NCO for 3rd Bn, 3rd Bde. I know how it feels to see a graduation class leave. It brings back old memories. I know how enlisted think of ring wearers. There are good ones and bad ones. Believe me there are alot of good ones. I had the good fortune to serve with some in the real world. Great officers. They took the advice of there NCO and later became general officers still serving today.

[@OVERHERE-OVERHERE]

Bless all who have taken you Oath to defend and uphold the Constitution, proud United States Air Force veteran,For love of country

[@YoungBlaze]

i dont even go here and im gonna miss everybody!

[@ivi122]

YoungBlaze lol

[@ivi122]

😂

[@wyda700]

great video god bless man im bout to tlk to a recruiter soon i want to join the service so bad i have a military family and you inspire me to join everyday god bless

[@morecowbelle5428]

Excellent!! You are so very good at this!!

[@kakarotlifted7302]

Whoever is following you around filming is the omega cadet.

[@uravgcuber2494]

Amazing video and very emotional. Your footage makes West point actually look nice 😂 (not that it isn't just very antiquated in some sections)

[@yusufswjy]

why am i crying, im not even american

[@walderfrey4797]

But your heart is 😍

[@petermonaco8132]

Because you feel the love

[@michaelbaker3598]

because your not American

[@AnthonyMorales71]

Duty, Honor, Country.

[@Stopbegging3316]

Amazing,God Bless You

[@judy8117]

Yes,I'm crying,GOD bless,great song and over many mt,crossing and safely climb🐾♥️🐾♥️🐾😊yes your stunning

[@averellchen]

This is so emotional. I want to apply for the class of 26' and this just makes me want to go there more.

[@TheInternet8765]

Did you get in??

[@cnownz]

Well done; you do some good work, man!

[@Vuongiam]

This is so emotional! 😭😭😭🇺🇸

[@mackenzieclark7668]

This video is so good. Makes me emotional and I don’t even go to West Point 😂

[@charlesgriffith4217]

I love the tune to this.

[@johnfranklin6859]

Do Not Forget Your Lights

[@shaquarnstevens8770]

it touch my heart.

[@shaquarnstevens8770]

Hoorah

[@valereirenfro9040]

Wonderful video!

[@jamescallaway8715]

Rumor has it the lights are still on even to this day...

[@tigertilt2602]

i love you guys and God bless!

[@Marcostaubmann]

Amazing Video !

[@soupbowl5358]

Congrats sir

[@edwardconway6210]

I wish I had had the body or the mind to do this. Nothing but respect. #onwisconsin #goarmy.

[@louissaintherold807]

don't know if I can make it or if it's too late I'm joining the US army and dreaming to attend wespoint but I was not that good in high school I wasted my time and ... But I don't know what to do is there any way to attend wespoint

[@doop408]

Louissaint Herold enlist first, and then work your way towards an appointment

[@smbweideman626]

what do you mean by enlist and then work towards an appointment?

[@ussocom3644]

doop408 thats not how it works

[@joeiiiful]

Louissaint Herold. Check into the West Point prep school. It exists to prepare qualified Enlisted people to enter the Academy.

[@bearjew05]

If you don't get bone spurs, EPTS, hip displacia, black lung, or whatever else IET status personel contract at sick call in BCT, graduate BCT and make it through your first term as a Soldier without marrying the first girl you meet on Tinder, and never get put in time out for being naughty at work, you too can become a butter bar with proper unit sponsorship and letters of recommendation and application.

[@bluelinesuporter9114]

Dude Great video really good job editing very nice

[@vannarameas9133]

Love that soundtrack, gives me that Disney vibe, like they should do a west point Pixar movie.

[@iPepy]

Do you have the name of it by any chance?

[@jayravis]

Ahhh made me feel proud

[@Raven-ne9cg]

Moments like this, I wish I got an appointment.

[@mikedunham8481]

Well done and powerful!

[@michaeldonelson4056]

I watched this before I went to basic. Proud to be Army

[@cyrusaurelius5777]

This made me tear up I don't even know why.

[@anthonydesrivieres7721]

I commission in less than 3 hours and I’m watching this.😭

[@seanflachs6756]

Nicely done

[@babe6457]

Wow...well done...and I went to Air Force with a son at Annapolis.

[@starguy2718]

Great video.

[@jkornfeld]

Great video!

[@hieple8696]

Well done

[@lcilias]

great video

[@qualitysweat9631]

This reminds so much of the RBDF Rangers Cadet/Officers Corps 😞

[@robertbennett6898]

Lost but not forgotten. Give em hell gentlemen. Reitred Army 19D 31L 91B

[@nathanwinterhartley]

excellent!

[@Albizia-fb7hb]

respect from Japan.

[@hadrianadhh1550]

I really want to go to west point and join the Us Army after. Unfortionately i am from The Netherlands.

[@randomperson8695]

Luke- you are from a NATO nation which means it is possible as an exchange student. Or you can angle for a spot in the Sandhurst competition which is always held at West Point.

[@xsuperturdx3002]

I'm 13 and hope to get into Westpoint, I do track, cross country and have good grades but I'm worried for my acceptance into the academy however nice video.

[@marioduarte7560]

I want to go to west point, and I am currently a junior in high school. Any advice?

[@wjmoretz8279]

Be Good or Be Good At It.

[@talloccyclist]

What is the name of the music playing in back ground. I heard it when I first watched "The Long Grey Line" ?

[@AGSammy]

It starts here.

[@freedom1544]

Well done. - '15

[@ghallileihamoy3353]

Truly an inspirational video. Do you accept international cadets?

[@jamesbhollingsworth5452]

Dale Hamoy No

[@iPepy]

Anyone have the song? It’s really beautiful

[@bluelinesuporter9114]

It was teary at the end at the grave

[@SaltiDawg2008]

Does everyone know to whom that grave belongs?

[@atropiaveteran]

Why didn't you take the cadet sword with you? They don't let you keep those for memories sake?

[@thearmsman4661]

I have mine on the wall in my home office.

[@robertrock8778]

Sword isn't visible on desk when he leaves the room.

[@al11220]

Tears