ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS WEST POINT FIRST SALUTE SILVER DOLLAR TRADITION

Cadet Charles Anthony Long, son of Dr. James R. and Lisa Long of Newnan, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy May 26.

Long's West Point graduation announcement reads like thousands of others, but one poignant moment set his ceremony apart from most. It wasn't when United States Vice President Joe Biden gave his keynote speech, or the precise maneuvers of the cadets, or even the hat toss. It was when his younger brother John - a "firstie," or West Point senior - gave him his first salute.

"I think it was fitting for John to give me my first salute since 358 days from now he will be a second lieutenant as well," Long said. "We have a tradition at West Point to give your first salute a silver dollar. That silver dollar is supposed to be in memory of the person you saluted as they go off into the army. A cadet keeps the silver dollar to remember what they are in training to become."

To read the complete article, see: First Salute: Coweta County's Long family continues West Point tradition (www.times-herald.com/local/20120603-CharlesLongWPointGrad-MOS)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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