West Point Academy

A few weeks after we arrived, all the missionaries took our prep day and caught a bus for the US Military Academy at West Point, NY. We had a Lieutenant Colonel meet us for a private, guided tour. We felt we were on sacred ground. Remembering the past - the sacrifice that so many have made, the current army cadets that are devoting their lives to protecting our freedom - made the day extra meaningful. Plus bonus - it was fall, I hadn't realized how New York is a huge part of the fall foliage of the east. Beautiful!

The white house is the Commandant's house

A few fun facts:

Railroad goes right under campus

• Since 1778 there have always been troops stationed here. It's the oldest garrison in the US.
• Benedict Arnold was West Point Garrison commander, and systematically helped make plans that weakened it's defenses against the British 😞
• A huge chain was forged to go across the Hudson River at the big "S" curve, to stop British ships. The chain was never needed. ("World's End" - Dutch ships lost 7 ships on this curve many years previously.)
• Colors of West Point - Black, gray, gold. Traditionally to represent colors of gun powder
• The Plain - huge field in the middle of campus. Sacred ground. Where George Washington set up his tents. 1890 - first army/navy game. You don't walk on it except for special occasions.

Chain was never needed

Look at the size of those links! (Sister Schoenberger, Sister Tan, Don, Sister Stone)

Lieutenant Colonel Fuhriman, our guide, in front of the Plain

And the caisson's go rolling along

Eisenhower

Cannons all over - kept from every war

The great "S" Curve of the Hudson.

Sister Goodier - Military Relations Missionary

Flags from every state. Couldn't find Colorado - too big a space to hunt!

GINORMOUS dining hall. Acres!

Art all over the place - also GINORMOUS.