The west point class of 1987 marched across the parade field with teary eyed parents looking down on their transformed and in some cases teary eyed New cadets. The rising seniors or first-classmen firsties ran the show They bombarded us with information barked orders as they heard us around West Point's historic grounds. It was all perfectly orchestrated a test for the older cadets who are responsible as well as the new plebes in their charge. I'd realize only years later when it was our turn to welcome the new class Just how much work went into preparation for this century old tradition.