Remarks by LTG (Ret.) Harry E. Soyster, Class of 1957

General Brooks, Cadet Enderle, family members, Friends of the Class of 2007, ladies and gentlemen, and, most importantly, members of the Class of 2007. . . .

It is wonderful to be back at Camp Buckner. It doesn’t seem like 50 years since I was starting these two months of training. But it is! However, it has been only one year since I made the March-back from Camp Fredrick with you. I must admit to you that there were a few times during that 15.2 mile forced march, at night, in the rain, over difficult terrain that I said to myself, “What am I doing here?” What kept me going was sensing your determination to finish the march no matter how difficult it was — and to have the opportunity to test your skill in mathematics. What I mean was — You inevitably asked as we marched and talked, “What class are you, Sir?” After I said, “57” there was a pause and I could sense the calculation beginning — 67, 77, 87, 97, oh my god! You suddenly became aware that the Long Gray Line was with you and maybe a little grayer than you had thought. What I do know is that I am glad that I was there with members of my class who embarked on a special relationship with the Class of 2007. Many of them are here today and I am honored to represent them and the other members of the Class of 1957 in presenting you class flag.

You have learned the significance of flags in your profession. Now you are beginning to serve under yet another flag — a flag that will, I hope, mark continually the advance of your class as you contribute to the defense of our great nation. It will fly here under the flag of the United States Military Academy. From here you will take the concepts of “Duty, Honor, and Country” and ensure, as you serve our nation, that the Star Spangled Banner will always fly over the land of the free and the home of the brave.

You are beginning two months of military training which will build on the basics you learned during Plebe year — build on a year of discipline, of learning about yourself — a study that should never end, of character building, of watching leaders, of overcoming adversity, of giving more than you were asked and knowing what it feels like to sometimes come up short. Congratulations on how far your have come.

One of your goals should be to become technically proficient in your profession — to know your weapons and tactics — to know the fundamentals of leadership — to become the best soldier that you can be. These skills and knowledge will become the credentials with which to gain the respect of your non-commissioned officers upon whom you will depend. They will understand your burden as an officer and advise you always of the plight of the soldiers you will lead. You have joined and are a part of an army at war. Your technical proficiency may save the lives of you and your soldiers. Camp Buckner will provide the opportunity to hone these skills.

Camp Buckner is also the place to begin to better know your classmates without the restrictions of Plebe year and the confinements of the academic year. There is enormous talent in the Class of 2007. You will grow closer as a class as you grow as individuals. You will go in many directions as you join the Long Gray Line in service to our country. You will accomplish many things, but you will always be a member of the Class of 2007. I have full confidence that as the Class of 1957 joins the “ghostly assemblage” we will “stiffen and straighten” with pride in what the Class of 2007 has contributed to the honor of our alma mater. Good luck and keep up the fire. BEAT NAVY.