Spanish Cadets at West Point fullfil for the first time the tradition "Trail of the fallen"

Memory-item put on the popular monolith (Photo:MADOC)

The six cadets at the summit of the monolith (Photo:MADOC)

Spanish Cadets in Exchange at the North American Military Academy in West Point, together with the official that the Army keeps permanently based there, have fullfilled for the first time, the 1st of October, with the tradition - non-official -  called "Trail of the fallen", consisting on putting a Stone in the memory of the fallen soldiers.

As a previous milestone to the Spain's National Day, six Spanish cadets, accompanied by their respective families, went through a path that goes from the proximities of Fort Montgomery - historical place in the area - until one of the highest summits from the valley. The tradition narrates that a stone has to be carried and put into a popular monolith that has been formed along the years. This gesture symbolizes gratitude to those who gave their lifes to protect others and also freedom. The representatives of the 75th Promotion took the stone, decorated with the colours of the National Spanish Flag to the summit, where became part of the monolith.

It is the first time that the Spanish representatives in West Point fullfils this tradition, and while taking typical photos from there, North American citizens, spontaneously, got closer to the Spanish people, thanking their services and presence at the summit, due to the fact that putting the stone in that place means to pay tribute to those who will be always remembered.

On the other hand, as a reason of the Spain's National Day, it took place a small event in which the members of the Military Instruction Department were invited together with the chiefs of other departments of the military academy. It was officialy represented by the chiefs of the Military Instruction and Languages departments.