West Point Faces Backlash for Removing Motto from Mission Statement

WEST POINT, N.Y. - West Point, the renowned U.S. Military Academy, is facing backlash after officials decided to remove its famous motto, "Duty, Honor, Country," from the school's mission statement. The decision has sparked outrage among supporters of the 222-year-old institution, located 60 miles north of New York City.

The mission statement, a one-sentence summary of the academy's purpose, was recently reworked. The previous version, in place since 1998, included the iconic motto. However, the updated version now emphasizes the academy's commitment to educating and training cadets to become commissioned leaders of character who uphold the Army Values.

According to West Point spokesperson Col. Terence Kelley, the mission statement has been modified nine times in the past century. The latest change was made to incorporate the Army Values, such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, which are detailed in other documents.

West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland assured that "Duty, Honor, Country" remains the academy's motto and is foundational to its culture. He emphasized the significance of these three words in shaping the cadet experience and uniting the academy's graduates throughout history.

The motto holds a prominent place on campus, with its inscription engraved in granite above building entrances and featured on cadets' uniforms. "Duty, Honor, Country" is even used as a greeting between plebes and upper-class cadets. However, the mission statement itself is less widely displayed, though it is required to be memorized by plebes and can be found in the cadet handbook, known as the "Bugle Notes."

While the removal of the motto from the mission statement has sparked controversy, West Point officials affirm that the values it represents will always be upheld and celebrated within the academy's community. The decision to align the mission statement with the Army Values aims to reaffirm the commitment of cadets to a lifetime of service to the Army and the nation.

The outrage expressed by supporters suggests a strong attachment to the motto and its historical significance within West Point. The academy's leadership maintains that the change in the mission statement does not diminish the enduring importance of "Duty, Honor, Country."