On January 9, 2026, I became the echo of stories shared by warriors past. Using words given to me to describe undaunting determination in the face of unrelenting oppression, I challenged the West Point Class of 2027 to Never Stop… Never Quit….
Tradition.
The word is often associated with habits or rituals we
accept for no other reason than “That’s the way it was done in the past. It’s
tradition.” At West Point, the mind-boggling myriads of traditions we embrace
are steeped in legend of past glories, lore of treasured rituals admired as
part of our lineage, or newly discovered ways to strengthen our connection with
graduates from past, present, and in the future (traditionally referred to as
The Corps, and The Corps, and The Corps). This article could explore countless
academic, military, and athletic traditions unique to or originated at the United
States Military Academy. Stories of the march back, pinging along the inside
wall, or spirit missions during my plebe year resonate with every Old Grad.
Tales of spinning Sedgwick’s Spurs and Sosh Runs are academic milestones. Every
tradition builds up to the final day, and that opportunity to throw your hat in
the air when we hear, “Class Dismissed!” I could go on, but I would rather
narrow my conversation.
In 1835, West Point began a storied tradition. 56 graduates marked their time at the Academy with a ring. Today, class rings are recognized across institutions and universities everywhere. They symbolize the connection between an individual and their alma mater while serving as a unique identifier for their graduating class. I still have my high school ring. In August 1992, I received my West Point ring: 14 karat gold with a diamond solitaire set in a black onyx. On one side, the West Point crest. On the other, my class crest. As the tradition goes, you wear your class closest to your heart (the inside side of your finger). When you graduate, you turn the Academy inward. I treasured my ring and the history it held.
On January 9, I bade farewell to my ring and tossed it into
a stone cauldron, where it melted and mixed with 26 other rings into a solid
gold bar.
Jamie and I flew from Portland to West Point to take part in
the Class of 2027 Ring Melt Ceremony. It took three days to write this report,
chasing words while trying to find the best way to describe the weekend at West
Point. Over my 37-year connection, I have witnessed thousands of fantastic
events; hundreds of storied occasions; a handful of memorable moments; and
three perfect experiences.
Graduation stands atop that list. I’ve described my struggle
with broken memories, but I have picture proof of smiles. The single instance I
do hold is the weight of four years peeling away as I sat in the passenger seat
while Vinny drove through Thayer Gate. According to the official register, I
became graduate number 49,966.
Second, that Saturday afternoon in May 1993. The moment is
etched in my mind, how I watched Brigadier General Robert Foley speak to a
group of tourists. I shared this story in 2014: “Prologue.”
“They would never stop. They would
never quit.”
He repeated the phrase over and
over as he shared examples of tactical, mental, and physical challenges many
young graduates faced while leading soldiers in combat.
Needless to say, it was quite
stirring.
General Foley gave me permission to tell that story. His
words became my calling, then my mantra, Never Stop… Never Quit….
Those words became my mission, and now my nonprofit organization NEVER STOP
NEVER QUIT. The idea started under the heat of military conflict before being
forever tied to my battle against the debilitating effects of multiple
sclerosis.
The third perfect experience was this past weekend. Every
step of our mad dash, from our Thursday night redeye flight out of Portland,
Oregon, through the 12:30 PM ceremony start, moved with tailwinds of fortune
and favor. United Airlines Flight 1802 (the year West Point was founded)
arrived at Newark Airport 30 minutes early. Airplane door to rental car was
under 40 minutes. Traffic seemed to part every time we approached anything that
could slow our pace. We were checked into the Thayer Hotel even before arrival,
giving us a full hour to change and prep before the shuttle drove us to the
ceremony doorstep. My escort for the event was a family friend from out here in
Portland. Second Class Cadet Ryan Anthony had everything prepared well before
we arrived. He guided me to where I should sit, reviewed when we would get up
and go on stage, and explained what to do when I was there. All I needed to do
was enjoy the experience.
The tradition of West Point’s Ring Melt Ceremony is not from
a bygone era; it dates to 2000. The concept is beautifully simple. Graduate
rings are donated, sometimes by the individual but most often by family members
or other significant connections. Most donations are from deceased graduates.
The rings, stripped of any stones or ornamentation, are collected in a stone
cauldron. They are melted and poured to form a gold bar. Polished and presented
to a class, the bar blends with the gold used to make their rings. Every cadet
in the Class of 2027 will have a ring made from gold that includes mine and the
26 other rings donated. In addition to those rings, the gold bar includes
flakes scraped from the previous Ring Melt Ceremony. In total, elements of 1,035
West Point class rings, dating back to 1896, are part of the Legacy Gold now
included in the bar formed on Friday afternoon. I am forever graduate number
1,033 in that creation. Read more about the
ceremony and the ring donors here.
Ryan gave me a subtle nudge when it was time for me to present my ring. He guided me toward the right side of the stage and held my arm as I struggled to climb six stairs. When the cadet speaker called my name, I moved to the center of the stage. Our rings were laid out on a table. Ryan prepared me for where my placard would be. I grabbed the stripped-down ring and placed it in the small stone cauldron as Ryan stood behind and presented a sharp salute. I lumbered to the podium and spoke.
“When I was a firstie, Brigadier General Robert Foley, Class
of 63, shared words of inspiration and perseverance endured by thousands of
West Point graduates before him. Those words became my mantra and became my
mission. Now, today, I’m glad to send those words back to the Class of 2027: Never
Stop… Never Quit…!”
As Ryan and another person helped me down the steps on the
opposite side of the stage, I knew I was living my third perfect West Point
experience. Applause and adulation, a few handshakes, then a kiss from Jamie
planted that moment in my heart. Dinner with three of my classmates and our
loved ones continued the day’s ecstasy. Other stuff happened—I think I had a
cupcake at the event—but those parts are already fading.
Even if my damaged brain forgets the details, even when my
specific recollection boils down to the video my dear friend captured, one word
will always stand true.
Perfect.
The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is
found.
It will never stop…nor will we
It will never quit…nor will we
This is why we fight for them!
Never Stop… Never Quit…®
Follow, Shop, or Donate Today: https://NeverStopNeverQuit.com
Figure 1: WPAOG. “West Point Class of 2027 Class Ring
Memorial Program.” YouTube video, 1:33:29. Published January 12, 2026. www.youtube.com/live/d_CXgMu8j3k.
Figure 2: Conti, Justin. “2026 Ring Melt - Justin Conti-69.”
Flickr. Published January 12, 2026. www.flickr.com/photos/wpaog/55031593662/in/album-72177720331352095.
Figure 3: Norton, Erica. “2026 Ring Melt-126.” Flickr.
Published January 12, 2026. www.flickr.com/photos/wpaog/55032536301/in/album-72177720331352095/.
Figure 4: Personal Image. My ring.
Figure 5: Personal Image. West Point Ring Weekend with my
mom, August 29, 1992.
Figure 6: Personal Image. West Point Ring Melt Weekend with
Jamie, January 9, 2026.
