John Shimkus: “many of our Founding Fathers, particularly George Washington, wanted to establish a military academy to teach the…”

“many of our Founding Fathers, particularly George Washington, wanted to establish a military academy to teach the technical arts of war. On March 16, 1802, Congress passed legislation to establish such a military academy to be located at West Point, New York. Thomas Jefferson signed this bill into law. The Academy daily fulfills its mission: ``To educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character, committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country; professional growth throughout a career as an officer in the United States Army; and a lifetime of selfless service to the Nation.'' The Academy was the first school in America to teach engineering, produce graduates who were responsible for the construction of the Nation's first railroad lines and many of its early harbor improvements, bridges, roads, and canals. Graduates of the Academy have served with character and distinction in all of America's wars and military actions since the War of 1812. For 200 years, the military academy has educated and trained some of the best and brightest in the Nation. The ``West Point Experience'' includes a challenging academic program in the arts and sciences, military training, physical education, and moral and ethical development. From the day of its founding, West Point has remained committed to the task of producing commissioned leaders of character for America's Army.”