CEC Essay: Visiting the West Point Museum During my last visit to the West Point Military Academy, I had the opportunity to tour our nation's most prestigious military museum. As a scout, I attended West Point Camporees and camped on the cadet training grounds at West Point's Lake Frederick. I also took part in an orientation course at Trophy Point, where I saw the famous cannon display and many statues and monuments for the first time. However, during my visits, I never had the opportunity to visit the West Point Museum. On my first visit to the West Point Military Academy, I was amazed by the huge statue of George Washington that fittingly stands in front of the parade ground, where West Point cadets graduate each year . While President of the United States, Washington, known as the "conceptual founder" of the academy, was the first to propose a national military academy. However, it was not established until 1802, when President Thomas Jefferson signed an act of Congress establishing the post as a military academy. I finally found the time to visit the museum! Although the artifact collection is primarily used for the academic teaching of cadets, the collection has also helped educate a freshman, like me, who is studying U.S. history. I was able to enjoy the exhibits and connect the artifacts to class materials and lessons. I found the exhibits and stories behind the artifacts most remarkable. Initially, I didn't know that West Point is the oldest continuously operational military post in the United States. I was impressed to learn that our country's most recognized generals; Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower and H. Norman Schwarzkopf were present and middle of paper ...... is to "Preserve America's Military Heritage" and "Educate , train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a leader of character committed to the values ​​of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as a officer in the United States Army. » Another part of the mission is to educate all Americans and visitors about how America has defended its freedom for more than 200 years. In today's world, with our struggle to defeat terrorism and unrest in other countries, the museum and academy are good places to find inspiration and American pride. That said, I believe the directors of the West Point Museum are achieving their goal and holding fast to their mission. I can't wait to go back and learn more about our country's history and the impact that wars have had and still have on our world..