L'Ecole Polytechnique Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids L'Ecole Polytechnique Monument |
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| United States Military Academy | |
L'Ecole Polytechnique Monument, Central Area, West Point
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| Used for those deceased | |
| Unveiled | 1919 |
| Location | 41°23′28.12″N 73°57′25.89″W / 41.3911444°N 73.9571917°W near |
| Commemorated | French Cadets who died in defense of France and brotherhood in arms with the cadets of West Point |
| Burials by nation | |
The L'Ecole Polytechnique Monument is a special statue at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. It's a copy of a statue found at the École Polytechnique, a famous military school in France. This monument remembers the brave French cadets who died defending their country in 1814.
In 1919, after World War I, France and the United States worked closely together. To show the strong friendship between the two countries and their military schools, a group of former students (called alumni) from École Polytechnique gave this statue to West Point. It stands as a symbol of their shared history and friendship.
What Makes This Monument Special?
This monument is famous for a few interesting "mistakes" that new cadets at West Point are taught to look for. It's like a fun challenge to spot them!
Can You Find the Four "Mistakes"?
First-year cadets, also known as "plebes," learn to identify these four details on the statue:
- The soldier's sword (saber) is curved, but its holder (scabbard) is straight.
- The flag is blowing in one direction, while the soldier's coat tails are blowing in the opposite direction.
- One of the soldier's buttons is unbuttoned.
- The cannonballs are too big to fit inside the cannon's barrel.
Where Is the Monument Located?
The monument used to be on the edge of a large field called The Plain. Now, it has been moved to the central area where the cadets live and train. This area is usually only for people who are part of the academy.
