United States Military Academy West Point - Howitzer Yearbook (West Point, NY)

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— Q« s Point Lighthoun Knton It )P o 61 I. I ft k - V VR UkA v». Mi] Y . west POINT iff

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The distinguished graduates who appear on the following pages are but a few of the many who have served their country with distinction in many fields of endeavor. Both in war and peace, the members of the Long Gray Line have dedicated their lives to the principles for which West Point stands. We of the graduating class realize the responsibility which now rests squarely on our shoulders; for our predeces- sors have showed us the meaning of sacrifice and of Dutv, Honor, Country. '

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SYLVANUS THAYER Class of 1808 — Education Perhaps few other founders of great institutions enjoy more recognition from their students than Colonel Thayer . . . Shortly after graduation Colonel Thayer spent five years in Europe making a detailed stud of the military institutions of the Creat Powers. In France he gave careful consideration In the organization, curriculum and methods of instruction of L ' Ecole Polytechnique. by which he was very much im- pressed. Upon his return to the United States he was ap- pointed Superintendent of the Military Academy by President Monroe. This appointment provided him with the opportun- il to apply his own modifications to a school that was suffering from Congressional apathy and official incom- petence. Colonel Thayer began his reconstruction of the Academy with a number of changes designed to develop seriousness of purpose. The new orientation he gave the Academy produced more capable leaders who were willing and trained to lead our country through the most critical periods of its history. The innovations Colonel Thayer so firmly instilled in the Academy remain basically unchanged today; for he believed in strict discipline, broad culture and professional knowl- edge. He is justly called ' ' The Father of the Military Academy. Cadets in the past and today.