West Point in Orange County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
West Point Benches
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
1. West Point Bench Marker
are presented to
our Alma Mater with gratitude
for the past, and to the
United States Corps of Cadets
with high expectations for the future
The Class of 1934
1984
Erected 1984 by U.S.M.A. Classes of 1934 and 1984.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 41° 23.705′ N, 73° 57.345′ W. Marker is in West Point, New York, in Orange County. Marker is on Cullum Road near Thayer Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in Trophy Point in the United States Military Academy. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Point NY 10996, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 6-Pounder Smooth-Bore Field Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); 3.3-in. Rifled Field Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named 3.3-in. Rifled Field Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); 42-Pounder Cast-Iron Carronade (within shouting distance of this marker); 50-Pounder Cast-Iron Columbiad (within shouting distance of this marker); 8-in. Blakely Steel Rifled Seacoast Gun
this page online
Additional commentary.
1. USMA Benches at Trophy Point
My father was Col. Robert G. Finkenaur USMA '34. At the time the benches were installed, he was the only one of two graduates living in the Hudson Valley. The other grad was not inclined, it seems, to participate in getting the benches installed. And so most of the work to get those benches installed fell on Dad. At times, he thought it was a thankless job since his classmates rarely made mention of all the work he did in getting the project to conclusion. He thought the complaints seemed to outweigh his achievements. He was a Colonel, whereas most of those on the committee were Generals, and it bothered him that they sometimes treated him as a subordinate rather than a peer. But I later found out, that they really did appreciate all that he had done, and it was too bad that Dad died in Cornwall Hospital before he heard the praises given
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
2. Marker at Trophy Point
The marker and benches were donated by the West Point Classes of 1934 and 1984. Donations of this type are often made by the current class and the class of 50 years prior.
In his book, The Long Gray Line, Rick Atkinson called the benches an anachronism, meaning that they have no current pertinence to the Academy's mission. That's pure hogwash! And the class of 1934 should educate Mr. Atkinson with respect to the Academy's mission. Dad was General David Patraeus' high school math teacher in Cornwall NY. General Patraeus once said that he'd always think of Dad when he saw those benches.
Today Dad is buried in the USMA Cemetery at West Point. You can find his grave next to the Viele Memorial Pyramid, one grave to the left of General DeRussy in section XXXIV (section '34.) Pay him a visit and tell him that his benches are just as pertinent as they were when the class of 1934 installed them. Take note of Dad's headstone which says "Duty, Honor, Country," after which he modeled his life.
~ Jim Finkenaur Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted June 29, 2008, by James K. Finkenaur of Ocala, Florida.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
3. Benches at Trophy Point
Two of the commemorative benches are visible in the photo, as well as some of the cannons at West Point's Trophy Point.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2008
4. Commerative Bench at West Point
More benches and trophies are seen here with the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 27, 2009
5. Grave of Col. Robert G. Finkenaur - USMA '34
Col. Robert Finkenaur, Class of 1934, was instrumental in getting the benches placed at Trophy Point. He is buried in West Point Cemetery, about a mile north of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,885 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on September 27, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
