On March 16 1802, Thomas Jefferson endorsed and signed the Military Peace Establishment Act, an act that resonates across the annals of American military history. This landmark legislation solidified the U.S. Military Academy's place as an academic institution devoted to the principles of leadership, service, and excellence.
Two centuries later, the echoes of Jefferson's endorsement reverberated throughout the hallowed halls of West Point as the Corps of Cadets celebrated the 122nd Founders Day Celebration on March 7. Since its inception in 1902, the Founders Day celebration steeped in tradition, pays homage to the enduring legacy of the academy and the countless accomplishments and sacrifices of its graduates.
Old Grads, supporters, and the greater West Point family celebrate Founders Day globally, typically near March 16. This celebration emphasizes the academy's mission to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets, ensuring each graduate becomes a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and is prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U.S. Army.
“We are here tonight to celebrate the founding of the United States Military Academy 222 years ago. All around the world. Members of the long gray line are celebrating West point's history and looking to us the Corps of Cadets to carry on the legacy for the years ahead,” said Class of 2024 Cadet First Captain Martayn Vande Wall. “It is a privilege for us this evening to honor our founders for building this institution that our nation so greatly respects and cherishes. As is done at most Founders Day celebrations.”
This year’s event, held at the Cadet Mess Hall, added another chapter to its storied tradition, and welcomed U.S. Army Colonel and NASA Astronaut Col. Frank Rubio, USMA Class of 1998, as the esteemed keynote speaker.
Col. Rubio, it's great to have you here tonight with us to celebrate Founders Day with the Corps, our nation's next generation of leaders of character," said Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland.
Rubio, who returned from a remarkable 371-day mission aboard the International Space Station National Laboratory on Sept. 27, 2023, now holds the record for the longest space flight by an American astronaut. He was awarded the prestigious Army Astronaut Device, one of the rarest honors a Soldier can earn, by Secretary of the Army, Hon. Christine Wormuth last month on February 22.
During his speech, he noted how refreshing it was to feel inspired by the hard work he witnessed from cadets as he spent the morning observing their capstone projects.
"One of the facets of our jobs as NASA astronauts, is to help inspire the next generation of space explorers, scientists and engineers. But I gotta tell you that after being here with you guys today, and over the past several months, it's been you guys who have really inspired me," Rubio said. "This morning, the academic excellence presented during capstone project debriefs, and while talking to the ARES research group, the academics are simply outstanding."
Throughout his address, Rubio spoke on the importance of inspiring others.
" ... As someone who has been incredibly blessed with fairly unique opportunities throughout my career, I can tell you that the experience, which has brought me the most fulfillment in my life, the one that I'm most proud of has been the ability to influence and shape the lives of others," Rubio said. "Influence is something that our society craves. Just look around our current culture. Look at the number of books, podcasts, YouTube channels, in cereals, tick tock feeds, all packed with people trying to sway each other."
Rubio added that there is a void in society inhibiting people from establishing healthy personal connections with others. One way to fill that emptiness is to find support in your squad mates.
"We were made to connect, we are meant to help each other. We are meant to help shape each other in a community," Rubio said. "But fewer and fewer people benefit from this experience. Yet our Army will provide you this privilege constantly."
Rubio emphasized the significance of acknowledging setbacks, disappointments, frustrations, and failures as integral components of personal development when stepping into a leadership position. He highlighted that despite encountering failures, there remains ample room for growth and learning opportunities.
"Remember the setbacks, disappointments, frustrations, and yes, even failure. Those are all natural parts of growth. We've all failed, we've all needed to be picked up. We all need help," he added. " But even in failure, there's an opportunity. Because sometimes the way you handle adversity will define you as much, if not more as your successes."
As the event concluded, Vande Wall presented a plaque to Rubio on behalf of the Corps of Cadets, expressing gratitude for inspiring future leaders to carry the torch for the next generation.
“Lastly, you have to stay grounded, before you head off to space, or in any other worthwhile adventure and the Army is going to give you a lot of worthwhile adventures," Rubio concluded. "You must be grounded on a firm foundation. This foundation is what gives you strength when hardships come. It will provide comfort in times of pain. And it will motivate you to keep going and keep giving your best when quitting seems like the only option."