‘Our democracy is being tested’
West Point. U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan takes of the oath of office at the U.S. Military Academy, becoming the first West Point graduate to represent the academy in Congress.
| 09 Feb 2023 | 06:52
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan speaks to the crowd during his inauguration last Sunday hosted at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Ryan is the first West Point graduate to represent the academy in Congress. Photos by Sammie Finch
U.S. Pat Ryan shakes hands with Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta following his inauguration at the U.S. Military Academy. The sheriff is flanked by Orange County Executive Stephen Newhaus, left, and Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler among other county and local officials.
U.S. Rep Pat Ryan and his family during his swearing in ceremony last Sunday at West Point. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who nominated Ryan to West Point more than two decades ago, preformed the inauguration ceremony.
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan's son Theodore holds the Bible used during Ryan's inauguration last Sunday at U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Photos by Sammie Finch
“My promise to you all,” U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan said during his inauguration last Sunday at West Point, “is to always keep fighting to defend our rights, and to deliver relief.”
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado was among the speakers at Congressman Pat Ryan’s inauguration at West Point. After Delgado was named lieutenant governor, Ryan won a special election early last fall to complete Delgado’s Congressional term. Ryan then went on to win his own seat in November’s general election.
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan took his oath of office at West Point last Sunday, becoming the first West Point graduate to represent the U.S. Military Academy in Congress.
The oath was administered by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who nominated Ryan to West Point more than two decades ago.
Ryan, a Democrat, is an Ulster County native, decorated combat veteran and small business owner.
The 18th district includes all of Orange County and parts of Dutchess and Ulster counties. The district includes the cities of Newburgh, Kingston and Poughkeepsie.
“From our country’s founding, this community has served as a bulwark in the fight for our democracy,” Ryan said in his remarks before a gathering of family, friends and dignitaries from throughout the district, “where patriots dragged an iron chain from West Point across the Hudson River to stop British forces.
“Once again, our democracy is being tested and I believe it is us, the people of the Hudson Valley, who must rise to the moment,” Ryan added. “My promise to you all is to bring these values with me to Washington- to always keep fighting to defend our rights, and to deliver relief.”