West Point Class of 2016 Receives Class Rings

By Nick Byrne '11

On August 28, West Point’s Class of 2016 gathered at Trophy Point for the annual U.S. Military Academy Ring Ceremony. For the first time, each ring contained shavings of steel from the World Trade Center Ground Zero site, thanks in part to Cadet Kieran McMahon ’11.

“September 11 impacted the lives of every American,” said Cdt. McMahon, who was the second highest-ranking cadet in his class at Xavier, the Regimental Executive Officer. “Growing up in Rockaway, a small community that lost a lot people that day, I was affected in my own way. It’s part of the reason why I decided to enter the Academy. When a family friend offered a piece of steel for the occasion, I was floored.”

“The ceremony commemorates a cadet’s academic career as they enter their senior year,” Cdt. McMahon continued. “But the ring solidifies our bond.”

To read more about West Point's ring ceremony, click here.