JOINT NEWS RELEASE

 

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY                                                  ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE

Public Affairs Office                                                                                                        PO Box 17000, Station Forces

West Point, NY 10996                                                                                                    Kingston (Ontario) Canada K7K7B4

Voice:  (845) 938-2006/3808                                                                               Office:  (613) 541-6000, ext 6967

Fax:  (845) 446-5820                                                                                                      Fax:  (613) 541-6337

                                                                                                                                               

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                             RELEASE NO. 04-07

 

ANNUAL RMC EXCHANGE CELEBRATES 84 YEARS OF TRADITION – Feb. 14, 2007

 

            WEST POINT, N.Y. – Leaders and cadets from the Royal Military College of Canada and the U.S. Military Academy continued the two military institutions’ annual exchange this weekend.

            This year’s event differed somewhat from past experiences as it was a simultaneous exchange with respective cadets and leadership visiting both locations concurrently. 

            At West Point, cadets from RMC accompanied cadets to academic classes, military and physical training, and athletic events.  Teams also participated in Tae Kwon Do, debate matches, a pipe and drum demonstration and a formal banquet. 

            At RMC, cadets from West Point attended academic classes and training, but also participated in combined teams for the Annual Winter Sports Day Competition. 

            Absent from this year’s meeting was the hockey contest between the two schools.  Due to scheduling difficulties caused by miscommunications, the teams were unable to play the game.  However, the leadership from both schools indicated a renewed commitment to the future. 

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            “We’ve had great discussions about the future of this exchange and have agreed to bring hockey back into the mix as soon as practical,” said West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Franklin L. Hagenbeck.  “The RMC-West Point exchange has expanded over the years, to include several meetings between cadets in other sports and activities, all of which have greatly benefited our cadets and military services.”

            Royal Military College Commandant Brig. Gen. Jocelyn Lacroix echoed Hagenbeck’s sentiments.

            “The relationship between RMC and West Point is one of great friendship and tradition,” said Lacroix.  “It is one of the most important cultural and military relationships between our institutions.  We began the exchange with a friendly hockey rivalry that has grown into an invaluable developmental experience.  This is why the exchange has never been in jeopardy and why it will evolve and grow into a more encompassing experience for cadets from both schools.  I am confident that the overall RMC-West Point exchange program will again include hockey in the very near future.” 

            The Canadian Forces Transformation, as well as the impacts of change on RMC’s original mandate and its subsequent relationship to West Point, was discussed at length by the leadership of both schools this past weekend.  West Point was also briefed on and was comfortable with the changes in composition of RMC’s varsity teams, the evolution of their new varsity eligibility policy and the Socialization Project.  All came away with a clearer understanding of each others change imperatives and agreed to a reinforced commitment to every aspect of the exchange, especially hockey. 

            The Royal Military College-West Point exchange began in 1923 after West Point Superintendent Brig. Gen. Douglas MacArthur and RMC Commandant Lt. Gen. Sir Archibald Macdonell agreed their cadets and schools would benefit from meeting at an annual sporting event.  Today, the cadets and leadership from both schools cherish the richness of their relationship and the special bonds of respect, trust and understanding that continue to be fostered between friends, neighbors and allies.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: For further information, please contact Cmdr Darren Rich, Special Assistant to

the Commandant, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON at (613) 541-6000 ext 6967.

At West Point, please contact the Public Affairs Office at (845) 938-2006/3808.