The following guidelines are provided for publication of memorial articles.
WHO WRITES MEMORIAL ARTICLES?
Typically, memorial articles are written by a classmate, family member, or close friend, usually working in cooperation with the next-of-kin. Some articles are group efforts, involving several people who knew the graduate at different times during his or her life. Memorial articles may also be written by the next-of-kin, or a close family member.
WHAT ABOUT FAMILY APPROVAL?
The author is responsible for obtaining the next-of-kin’s written approval of the article. Without approval, the article cannot be published. If after a diligent search no relatives are found, the author may obtain approval from the graduate’s class president.
Who qualifies as the next-of-kin?
The next-of-kin are surviving spouses (whether they’ve remarried or not). If the graduate was divorced or there is no surviving spouse, the next-of-kin is the graduate’s oldest surviving child. If the graduate never married, the parents qualify as the next-of-kin. If there are no surviving parents, the next-of-kin is the oldest surviving sibling. If there are no siblings, the next-of-kin is the closest surviving relative.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN INFORMATION ON FILE AT THE AOG?
The Association of Graduates keeps a file on each graduate, known as the CullumFile. Some graduates have regularly updated their files; some have not. Copies of this material can be requested for the purpose of writing the memorial article by contacting Marilee Meyer at (800) 232-4723, ext. 1545, or e-mail Marilee.Meyer@usma.edu or Archivist@aogusma.org.
HOW LONG SHOULD THE ARTICLE BE?
Articles should be 850–1,000 words. The AOG editor reserves the right to do minor editing and proofreading. Articles longer than 1000 words will be returned to the author for editing. The editor will make suggestions on how to reduce the length. Exceptions to the length guidelines are made in the rarest of circumstances (former superintendents and commandants of cadets, chiefs of staff of the Army, etc.).
WHAT ABOUT A PHOTOGAPH?
Each article is published with a photograph. Select one that represents how the graduate would have preferred to have been remembered. The photo must be clear and in good condition. The photo will be returned. If a suitable photo cannot be found, the graduate’s Howitzer (USMA yearbook) photo may be used. Negatives are acceptable.
IS THERE A STANDARD FORMAT?
Most memorial articles are chronologically organized, including events before West Point, significant achievements and activities as a cadet, assignments and achievements in the military, marriage and children, retirement or separation from the military, important activities in civilian life, anecdotes and quotations, and an impressionistic section quite like a eulogy.
MAY I WRITE A MEMORIAL FOR MYSELF?
Yes. Send it to the address below. Prior to publication, your next-of-kin will receive a copy for approval.
IN WHAT FORM SHOULD I SUBMIT THE ARTICLE TO AOG?
We prefer receiving articles electronically as Microsoft Word files attached to an email or on a computer disk. Otherwise, please send a typed copy. Please do not use all uppercase type. We prefer Times New Roman font.
WHEN WILL THE ARTICLE BE PUBLISHED?
Normally, within 6-8 months. Articles are published in the order in which they are received.
HOW DO I RECEIVE COPIES OF THE ISSUE IN WHICH THE ARTICLE APPEARS?
The next-of-kin will receive two complimentary copies of the TAPS in which the article appears. Extra copies can be ordered. Please pay by check or credit card (MC, Visa, AmEx) -- $5 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. Please send payment when the approved article is submitted.
WHAT NEEDS TO ACCOMPANY A MEMORIAL ARTICLE?
All memorial articles must be accompanied by a completed inventory sheet. We can mail or e-mail one to you, or you can obtain one off the Web at: www.aogusma.org/PUBS/inven.htm
TO WHOM DO I SEND THE Article?
Memorial Articles
(ATTN: Ms. Ines Gibson)
Association of Graduates, USMA
698 Mills Road
West Point , NY 10996
(800) 232-4723 ext. 1613
Email submission to:
memorials@aogusma.org
Questions? Call 845-446-1613 | 
