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West Point Boss Demands Hymn Changes for Her

Lyrics' 'men' and 'sons' are out of date, chief argues

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2008 10:25 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The head of West Point is calling for changes to the military academy's two most beloved songs to represent thousands of female graduates, the Times Herald-Record reports. References to "men" and "sons" in the Alma Mater and the 1902 hymn The Corps should be switched to something more gender-neutral, Lt. Gen. Buster Hagenbeck told a congressional committee.

Female officers are "buried in our cemetery," said Hagenbeck. "When are they going to be recognized for what they're doing?"

West Point graduates from the class of 2007 toss their caps in the air at the end of their graduation ceremony Saturday, May 26, 2007 at West Point Military Academy in Highland Falls, NY.
West Point graduates from the class of 2007 toss their caps in the air at the end of their graduation ceremony Saturday, May 26, 2007 at West Point Military Academy in Highland Falls, NY.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
West Point cadets march into Michie Stadium at the beginning of graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 26, 2007 at West Point Military Academy in Highland Falls, N.Y.
West Point cadets march into Michie Stadium at the beginning of graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 26, 2007 at West Point Military Academy in Highland Falls, N.Y.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Cadet Diane Leimbach, one of 225 women who graduated from West Pointlast year poses at the United States Military Academy, Sept. 12, 2007.
Cadet Diane Leimbach, one of 225 women who graduated from West Pointlast year poses at the United States Military Academy, Sept. 12, 2007.   (AP Photo)
West Point cadet Eileen Cassidy embraces two of her classmates after graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 26, 2007 at West Point Military Academy in Highland Falls, N.Y.
West Point cadet Eileen Cassidy embraces two of her classmates after graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 26, 2007 at West Point Military Academy in Highland Falls, N.Y.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
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'Alma Mater' lyrics in full
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