Cadet Hun Manet, class of 1999, United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. In the West Point Yearbook , The Howitzer, he writes: To my parents: Thanks for helping me stay focused. You are the source of my strength which helps me through tough times. Thanks for your love and support.

Cadet Meach Sithyka, class of 2011. We believe she is the first female Cambodian to graduate from the West Point academy.

THE Phnom Penh Post, on this occas-ion of American Independence Day, recognises the accomplishments of Hun Manet, who graduated with a degree in Economics from the   United States Military Academy at West Point in 1999 and now serves    as a major-general in the Royal Cambodian Army. 

We also recognise the accomplishment of cadet Meach Sithyka, who we understand is the first Cambodian woman to graduate from West Point, which she did this year with a Bachelor of Science degree.

West Point has produced leaders including General Douglas Mac-Arthur, General Dwight Eisenhower and General George Patton.

These Cambodians at West Point are  shown in celebration of the enduring revolutionary spirit at this moment of the 235th American Independence Day.

West Point’s motto,  Duty, Honour, Country, applies just as much to   these Cambodians for their service    to the Kingdom of Cambodia as it does to Americans in service of the United States.  

The service to an ideal beyond one's mere self transcends all nat-ional boundaries and is instantly recognisable by the world’s citizens.

The photographs and brief information were supplied courtesy of USMA Superintendent Lt-General David Huntoon and his team.