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The Reason This West Point Cadet Is Crying Will Inspire You
This past weekend, the esteemed military academy, West Point, welcomed its graduating Class of 2016, but it is one cadet whose picture of raw emotion has captivated the nation.
Haitian-born second lieutenant Alix Idrache was snapped with streams of tears running down his face by West Point photographer Army Staff Sgt. Vito T. Bryant during the commencement ceremony.
The image was shared to the Academy’s Instagram page with the caption, “No greater feeling than that of accomplishment! #DutyHonorCountry.” The image has racked up thousands of shares on the social networking site and has captivated the media.
But why was Idrache so overcome with emotion in that moment?
CNN caught up with Idrache, who told them:
“Three things came to mind and led to those tears. The first is where I started. I am from Haiti and never did I imagine that such honor would be one day bestowed on me.”
“The second is where I am. Men and women who have preserved the very essence of the human condition stood in that position and took the same oath…”
“The third is my future. Shortly after leave, I will report to Fort Rucker to start flight school. Knowing that one day I will be a pilot is humbling beyond words. I could not help but be flooded with emotions knowing that I will be leading these men and women who are willing to give their all to preserve what we value as the American way of life. To me, that is the greatest honor. Once again, thank you.”
Idrache has his father to thank for giving him the chance to attend the prestigious school, who years ago had migrated to the U.S. from Haiti and worked hard to save enough money to send for his family. Idrache finally arrived in 2009.
According to USA Today, after seeing the image shared so widely, Idrache commented on the post, “I could not help but be flooded with emotions knowing that I will be leading these men and women who are willing to give their all to preserve what we value as the American way of life.”