The Class of 1976 conducted a ceremonial groundbreaking May 23 for its 50th reunion class gift. The class is raising at least $4 million to build the Spirit of ‘76 Echelon: A Tribute to the Long Blue Line along the Heritage Trail north of Doolittle and Wecker Halls.

The class aims to showcase to future graduates that the heritage, legacy and traditions of previous classes will propel them in the Long Blue Line. In addition, the Class of 1959 will be honored with a B-25 propeller sculpture, recognizing it as the bridge between the Army Air Corps and the Long Blue Line.

The entrance to the Spirit of ’76 Echelon will feature a welcome kiosk invoking the Cadet Chapel spires and a futuristic starship and monolith to connect the past and future. Plaques mounted on the spires supporting the starship will explain the symbology of the echelon tribute to the Long Blue Line while recognizing the Class of 1976 classmates and many friends of the Academy who donated to the Spirit of ’76 Echelon and Gone But Not Forgotten Endowment to honor the Long Blue Line and serve their families.

During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jack Catton '76 characterized the project as "another unique milestone event for our class."