WHEREAS, The United States Military Academy is celebrating 200 years of leadership and service to the United States of America; and

         WHEREAS, distinguished graduates of the United States Military Academy have led our nation's Armed Forces in peace and war,

         WHEREAS, graduates of West Point played a major role in developing the State of Washington; and

         WHEREAS, graduates currently serving in the Armed Forces are deployed worldwide protecting and defending our country; and

         WHEREAS, cadets of the United States Corps of Cadets are being trained and educated to be our nation's next leaders as West Point moves into its third century of service;

         NOW THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim February 1st through March 16 th, 2002 as the

Bicentennial of the United States Military Academy