USMA Ring Weekend

What a fabulous weekend we had celebrating Dominic. Traditionally West Point Cadets receive their class ring at the beginning of their final year to honor The Long Gray Line. We were lucky enough to be able to make the trip to the US to celebrate with Dominic.  

We arrived on Thursday night and Dominic was able to leave campus to have dinner with us. We do love to maximize our time with him.

Panoramic view

Friday was the ring ceremony. It takes place overlooking the Hudson and it's incredible to see the Firsties march in and line up by company in their India Whites. It was hot and humid but somehow they have learned just not to think about the heat. Their commanding officer individually handed them their rings, it was a beautiful ceremony.

Dominic's Company

After the ceremony Dominic found us and we have to say, he is looking really happy to have reached this milestone at West Point. He also presented me with a necklace and Steve with a pin that are smaller versions of his ring. A really thoughtful, meaningful and sweet gift from him.

Super proud parents

Dominic and his friend Johnny are happy to show off!

Afterwards, the cadets head back to the barracks to change trying to avoid the plebes (freshmen) and they following them around and shout the ring poop at them. See the video above.  The words are as follow:

Oh my god, sir! What a beautiful ring!

What a crass mass of brass and glass!

What a bold mold of rolled gold!

What a cool jewel you got from your school!

See how it sparkles and shines?

It must have cost you a fortune! Please sir, may I touch it?

May I touch it please, sir?

We then spent the evening with Dominic, his two best friends Johnny and Michael and their families at a great steakhouse, enjoying really happy cadets. These families have been such a wonderful blessing to us over the last three years. We are all so happy our boys are such good friends.

Saturday night there was a dinner and a "hop" but we had the day free. We took a "quick" drive up to Albany to visit Steve's mom, his sister and her family. Dominic chose to spend the day this way and we were happy to oblige and enjoy the time with family. We forgot to take a lot of photos but did get some of our super cute great niece and great nephews.

Dominic and the twins

My favorite great-niece!

Saturday night was fun. We met more of Dominic's friends and enjoyed all of the cadets celebrating their start of their last year at USMA. We think Dominic looks pretty darn good in his India Whites too.

Dominic

Steve, Missy & Dominic

Michael and Dominic

Charles and Dominic

Life size version of the class ring