From the judges: This beautifully produced video provided insight into the tradition of the ring melt for graduating students and provides a meaningful touchstone for the entire West Point community to reflect on their own experience. As outsiders to the West Point community, we especially appreciated the insight into this tradition. Likewise, this video holds appeal not only for the West Point community, but for prospective students and the general public as well.
Metals of Honor West Point Cadets Receive Their Class Rings
Category
Video > General Information
Description
Award: Silver
Institution: West Point Association of Graduates
Title of Entry: Metals of Honor West Point Cadets Receive Their Class Rings
About this Entry: The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) is the alumni association for the United States Military Academy (USMA) and exists to support the Academy and the Long Gray Line. The tradition of wearing a class ring originated at West Point in 1835. Graduates treasure their class rings as symbols of their patriotic service, achievement, and inclusion in the Long Gray Line. The gold currently used to make the rings is no ordinary gold.
In 2002, the WPAOG’s Class Ring Memorial Program (CRMP) was established. This program honors the deceased graduates of West Point whose rings have been donated. At the annual “Ring Melt,” the donated rings are melted down and recast with new gold and then forged into every single new ring, tangibly connecting each cadet who receives their new West Point class ring to the Long Gray Line. Since the program began, a total of 617 rings have been melted and mixed with gold to make the next class’s rings.
Firsties (or senior cadets), receive their rings in a special ceremony on Friday night of Ring Weekend. Next to graduation, Ring Weekend, is the next most significant milestone event for every Firstie. It simultaneously marks the closing of their cadet years and their powerful connection to the Long Gray Line. This video highlights those connections—the shared values and experiences of generations of West Point Graduates are made manifest – literally stamped in gold – to inspire the next generation of leaders.