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 GRADUATION MORNING |
 An Official Bicentennial Commemorative Print of the Association of Graduates, USMA
  "Graduation Morning" The Cadet Monument Image Size 11" x 15" Release Date: August 2001 Edition size 250: 25 A/P: 15 P/P Price: $160.00 each An Official Bicentennial Commemorative Print of the Association of Graduates, USMA Price: Regular edition of 250: $160.00 each, Unframed plus $10.00 Flat Shipping.  Price: Regular edition of 250: $320.00 each, Handsomely and Professionally Framed plus $40.00 Shipping.  Please inquire about availabilty of A/P's CONTACT US “GRADUATION MORNING” The Cadet Monument, West Point Cemetery “The long gray line of us stretches, Through the years of a century told.” At dawn on graduation morning, a Cadet rises early to wander down to the Cadet Monument in the cemetery. In the solitude of daybreak, he gazes at the names engraved upon the silent granite frustum. Reverently, gently, he slowly runs his fingers along the names etched in the stone and warmed by the morning sun. “Grip hands though it be from the shadows...” His quiet tribute honors the young men who passed through the Academy’s gates, never to see their graduation day. Reflecting on his four years at the Academy, he ponders his own future and whispers a heartfelt “thanks”. The Cadet Monument was erected in 1818 to the memory of Cadet Vincent M. Lowe of New York who was killed by the accidental discharge of a cannon on Jan. 1, 1817. Each member of the Corps donated $15.00 to the monument, which was the better part of a month’s pay and a real sacrifice at that time. It was sculpted by Norris V. Kain of New York. Originally placed on the parade ground, it was moved to Trophy Point in 1821 and finally to the cemetery in 1870. Sadly, the names of 62 other cadets who died before graduation were added to the monument over the next 55 years, the last one in 1873. The names are arranged in chronological order from the top to the base of the monument. The youngest of whom was 15 year old William S. Overton of Pennsylvania, who died in 1822. Most of the Cadets whose names are inscribed were under 20 years of age. Interestingly, it also includes the name of a mathematics professor, Andrew Ellicott who died in 1820 at the age of 67 years. The top of the monument features a field piece with smoke bellowing from its barrel. Leaning against the cannon on both side is an open book. The inscription in the book on the front reads: “Vincent M. Lowe of New York. This stone feebly testifies the respect and regret of his Brother Cadets. He was accidentally killed by the discharge of a cannon at West Point on 1st. Jan. 1817, aged 19 years.” Inscribed upon the open book on the backside are the words: “This Monument Sacred to the memory of the deceased Officers and Cadets of the Military Academy. Erected by the members of the Institution, Oct. 1818.” Photographs from the late 1800’ found in the Academy’s archives show a much less densely foliated hillside below the monument. I chose to allow the monument to represent that time period because it offered a wider sweeping view of the Hudson River and its opposite shoreline. The Cadet was clothed in a modern uniform, intended to further connect the historical timeline of the Academy’s Bicentennial being celebrated this year. The location of the Cadet Monument, in the Southeast corner of the cemetery is one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots on the Post. I have striven to capture the tranquillity and contemplative atmosphere of that setting. “Graduation Morning” is dedicated to all of the Academy’s Cadets, past present and future. It is my desire for the image to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Paul R. Martin III August 2001 | Graduation Morning | Bond Of Brothers | By Their Surviving Comrades | Strength And Drive | Strength and drive65 | | Gettysburg Series | Great American Portrait Series | WWII Series | Revolutionary War Series | Civil War Series | West Point Series | Banners Of Glory Series | | Return Home | Limited Edition Prints | About us: Bio/Exhibits | 9-11 Fund Raiser | What's New | Contact Us | Events Schedule | Friends- Preservation Links | Mini Prints, Notecards, Posters | book covers | |
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