Commemorative Pictorial Postmarks As a community service, the Postal Service offers pictorial postmarks to commemorate local events celebrated throughout the country. Commemorative Pictorial Postmarks As a community service, the Postal Service offers pictorial postmarks to commemorate local events celebrated throughout the country. Breadcrumb milestones and traditions firstie milestones graduation history of postmarks About MENU Academy Leadership Developing Leaders of Character History of West Point Modernization Plan Accreditation & Assessment Visit the Academy Academic Calendar Graduation PostmarksSince 2002, pictorial postmarks have been available for West Point graduation days. The designs often incorporate the crest of the graduating class. Request applications are usually made by parents of graduating cadets. Items are hand-stamped at the West Point Post Office. Once approved, items may be mailed or hand-delivered to the event post office for postmarking on the day of the event. These have proven immensely popular with graduates and their families as a unique remembrance of Graduation Day.June 1, 2002, marked the first time that a special postmark was used to note a West Point graduation. With the exception of 2003 and 2004, there has been a graduation day postmark every year since then. Postmark DesignEach postmark must contain the name of the Post Office where the postmark will be applied, the date of the event, and the word “station” (per USPS requirements). When the postmark is applied, regular first-class postage must be used. Some examples below show an actual postmark used with stamps; where illustrations such as these were not available, copies from the USPS Postal Bulletin are shown. Most of the designs to date have incorporated the crest of the graduating class, which also appears on graduates’ class rings. The crest includes the class motto. In most cases where the crest is not shown in the design, the designer has included the class motto. The technology used for these hand-postmarked items is similar to what it was a century ago. Cancellation vs. PostmarkAlthough "cancellation" and "postmark" are often used interchangeably, according to the USPS, they are not the same. A cancellation is used to deface or “kill” a stamp to prevent its reuse, whereas a postmark is used to indicate the post office of origin, as well as the date and time of mailing. A postmark may be used as a cancellation, but a cancellation is never used as a postmark. Joyce, M. H., III. Postmarked West Point: A U.S. Postal History of West Point and its Graduates. Self-Published, 2021. Bicentennial Class of 2002 pictorial postmark. Class of 2004 pictorial postmark. Class of 2020 pictorial postmark. A Legacy of Distinguished Service The academy's long history is reflected in the achievements of its many notable graduates, whose leadership has shaped the nation across military, public service, and private sectors. Their accomplishments highlight the enduring impact of the academy and offer a glimpse into the legacy that continues to guide today’s Corps of Cadets. Learn more about notable graduates Guiding Words for the Long Gray Line Commencement speakers reflect the academy’s deep connections to national leadership, bringing voices of influence, service, and inspiration to each graduating class. Their messages underscore the historic mission of the academy and offer timeless guidance to the newest members of the Long Gray Line. Learn more about past speakers The Tradition Behind the Commission The West Point diploma has evolved over more than two centuries, reflecting the academy’s enduring standards of excellence and its commitment to developing leaders of character. Its design, craftsmanship, and symbolism offer a unique window into the institution’s past and the proud tradition each graduate joins as a member of the Long Gray Line. Learn more about the history of the diploma