I wish to pass on my compliments to the cadets, graduates and staff of West Point Military Academy on the 200th Anniversary of its founding.

         Graduates of West Point have served with distinction in numerous conflicts, in the First and Second World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and, more recently, in the Gulf and the Balkans. With each new class, the Academy maintains its reputation as a centre of excellence that inspires men and women to develop the military, intellectual and physical skills that they need to become leaders of the future.

         Our Armed Forces bear a heavy burden. We place our trust in them to defend our nations, people and way of life. They also serve in the cause of freedom far beyond our shores. US and British forces, led by graduates from West Point and their colleagues from the Royal Military Academy as Sandhurst, serve together throughout the world: we stand together in the Middle East, in the Balkans and in fighting the pernicious evil of international terrorism.

         Whatever challenges they may face and no matter how difficult the trials they may endure, I am certain that the officers of West Point will continue to meet them head-on with the utmost resolve, professionalism and devotion to duty.