West Point Graduation Class of 2021 Michie Stadium

May 22, 2021

Graduation at the United States Military Academy at West Point

USMA Class of 2021

Until The Battle Is Won

Immediately after the cap toss in Michie Stadium,  I was walking on the field and this family in a full embrace made my pause to catch a breath and remember that moment at my son's  graduation in 2019. I remember his arms wrapped around me, diploma in hand and tears streaming down our faces, all for a multitude of reasons. There was  struggle to be accepted into West Point after his decade of dedication and preparation. There was his profound feeling of accomplishment. And then there was the passing of his Grandfather just 3 months prior and his Poppa not being there with us. It was overwhelming. 

And I wondered if this beautiful family had a similar story? I captured a few frames and continued walking, while wiping away my own tears. 

After less than 12 hours I located the family with Facebook parent group networking and delivered the images to them, never publishing the photos until here on my blog and with permission. That was their moment, not mine and I respected that for them. 

I knew it was a  moment of unspeakable meaning for us and was for them as well. 

So, in messaging with the cadet's Mom, she told me that it was a very surreal moment for them. Their family had lost their maternal and paternal grandfather and a great uncle.  There was also a serious accident in 2017 in which her daughter was critically injured. This was his first year at West Point and they did not know if this day would be here to rejoice as a family. It was a very challenging time for her son and for her daughter to be alive and witness graduation with them as a family was priceless! 

I am so happy I was able to find her and share the dozen or so photos I captured for her! 

I will share our photos at the end. 

LaTaya, thank you for permission to share your story!