Earlier today, I did a post on the graduation ceremonies that we were privileged to attend this

weekend, at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. I just received these three

photos and wanted to include them in today's post.

Pictured above is my nephew and his girlfriend at the Graduation Ball on Friday evening.

My nephew with his sisters after the Saturday morning graduation.

My nephew with his parents(my dear sister and brother-in-law), on Friday evening.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony

United State Military Academy

We had the privilege of attending this memorable event. Our nephew graduated in this ceremony.

It was a weekend that will always remain in our memory as a very special time.

Picture above...the graduating class of 2010 entering the stadium for the last time as cadets. The

seats in the stadium behind the cadets and the platform were empty. Seating was prohibited in

that area. The rest of the stadium seats were filled with people. The pomp and circumstance of the

morning was most impressive.

The graduation speaker was the President of the United States.

What a privilege it was to have our picture taken with our nephew after his graduation. It will be

the last time he will be dressed in his cadet uniform. It struck me as we stood here in the bright

sunshine with this young man, that it was just a short time ago, that we babysat for him as a

toddler. How did it all happen so quickly? We felt so honored to be a part of this important

moment of his life.

Throughout the beautiful and historic grounds of this great institution, the graduating parties

began. The day's weather was perfect. The landscaping of West Point grounds created the perfect

backdrop for outdoor dining.

After our lunch was served, the pinning ceremony was next on the agenda. Here these young men

were commissioned and pinned. These pictures were the first that were taken of them in their

uniforms as Second Lieutenants. They looked so handsome. Our nephew is the one with the yellow

band on his hat.

Here he is showing us his diploma. I thought as I saw it, how differently it would appear to him,

than it would to me. He knew the blood, sweat and tears that went into it, during the four years

at West Point. Isn't that how life is? What others see is often not the "real picture".

Our heartfelt congratulations go out to this young man. He faces a turbulent and unknown future

in this world. We promised him our love and our continued prayers as he enters the next leg of his

journey. We definitely felt it was a great honor to be part of these moments in his life. Another

special privilege on this weekend, was to see so many Veterans from past wars that have served

our country. Truly, our hearts overflowed with gratitude toward all who have given, and

continue to give to provide our freedom.