The Corps (song)

"The Corps" was first sung on the steps of the Cadet Chapel on 12 June 1910, and became part of the graduation ceremony starting in 1911.

[1] Today, "The Corps" is typically sung by the Cadet Glee Club (West Point's choir) in companion to the Alma Mater at alumni gatherings, graduation, memorial ceremonies and funerals.

You Sons of an earlier day; We follow, close order, behind you, where you have pointed the way; The long gray line of us stretches, thro' the years of a century told And the last man feels to his marrow, the grip of your far off hold.

The change was to remove gender-specific language in the songs, which were written when the Academy only admitted male cadets.

LTG Hagenbeck wrote a letter to the Association of Graduates explaining the reasoning for his decision.