West Point Sketch Book

The strength of West Point's hold on the national psyche is justly founded on the Military Academy's consistent fidelity to the serious business of molding character, instilling professional values, and preparing callow youth for responsible leadership. While these images of the cadet vocation certainly offer an accurate portrayal, they often convey a one-sided view of the Long Gray Line, obscuring as they do the lighter side of cadet life. Cadets get into quirky situations; have interesting and amusing experiences; and exercise imagination, creativity, derring-do, and a sense of humor. West Point Sketch Book compiles a sampling of the non-formalized, "oral" traditions that address the essence of this lighter side-the warm, human, occasionally poignant, sometimes droll, often humorous anecdotes with which West Pointers regale each other at reunions large and small but which seldom are preserved for posterity or published for public consumption. Through anecdote, image, and information, West Point Sketch Book goes behind the gothic granite walls of the United States Military Academy and the magnificent homogeneity of the Corps of Cadets on parade to share the pervasive influence of West Point's unique history, customs, and traditions with those who know West Point and those who only know of it.Foley, James E. is the author of 'West Point Sketch Book', published 2004 under ISBN 9781418408695 and ISBN 1418408697.