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The Remarks of Speaker Carl E. Heastie

West Point Day

Assembly Chamber
Thursday, May 5, 2016
As Prepared For Delivery

photo Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie welcomes Lieutenant General Robert L. Caslen, Jr., the 59th Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point to the Assembly chamber for West Point Day, an annual tribute to the cadets of West Point for their commitment to duty honor and country and to the defense of our freedom and peace throughout the world. This day also marks the state's historic connection of more than two centuries to the nation's most prestigious military academy located on the west bank of the Hudson River.
It is my pleasure to join you this morning in acknowledging some very distinguished guests.

At this time, I would ask all my colleagues, staff and visitors to extend a warm welcome to Lieutenant General Robert Caslen, Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point who is here today to continue the longstanding tradition of "West Point Day" at the Capitol.

Superintendent Caslen is joined by Command Sergeant Major David Clark… Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cline, Chaplain of the United States Military Academy and a delegation of representatives and distinguished alumni of the Academy.

On behalf of all the members and the communities we serve across this great state, it is my great honor to welcome you to the People's House of the New York State Legislature.

Since 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point has stood tall and proud in our beautiful Hudson Valley.

In its 214 years, the Academy has embodied the spirit of duty, honor and country and its threads are deeply woven into the fabric of our nation's history.

The young men and women who enter West Point represent the best and brightest of their communities.

Generations of cadets have graduated to join the Long Gray Line of distinguished alumni who have been decorated leaders on the battlefield, in the situation room and in countless other arenas.

64 years ago, the State Legislature adopted the very first "West Point Day" resolution.

It was sponsored by the late Assemblymember James T. McNamara, a graduate of the West Point Class of 1939.

In a moment, we will proudly continue this cherished tradition by taking up a resolution honoring the rich legacy of the West Point Military Academy and the role it has played in shaping the history of our State and the nation.

Superintendent Caslen, honored guests, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for joining us here today, for your service, and most of all, for the sacrifices you have endured in defense of our precious liberty.

May God continue to bless you.

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