Posted by Ted Devens, USMA '84 (son) on June 1, 2008:

This RING This Ring, this West Point ring, was on my Father’s hand As his constant companion through life, Along with its match on his right hand – An Annapolis ring from HIS father. And this Ring went with him …. Where even his family could not follow… He wore it with pride at his own West Point graduation. It controlled the throttles of Army aircraft and construction equipment in the Pacific. And was there with him…. as He courted and married his Love, Mary Tansey. It held the Colt 45 that quelled a Japanese mob, and later served him in combat. It traversed minefields with him, And braced with him against the bitter cold of Korea. This Ring experienced the JOY of holding newborn infants. It threw footballs, basketballs, and held play diagrams to coach youngsters. This Ring held championship golf trophies… And taught his own children how to play. It steered his great nemesis: the LeaksAlot, held fishing rods, And baited hooks for others. And…. it heard quick curses as knuckles were busted in many a car engine…. This Ring was on the hand that wrote checks to put 8 children through college! And then proudly embraced them with a congratulatory handshake. This Ring SWELLED with care… and sometimes deep concern… As it heard stories about his Army… from Uncle Ted and Uncle John… just back from VietNam. It heard the proud stories from sons As they visited from their military tours And traveled to see them at the sword’s tip… In Europe and the Middle-East. It rested on stat sheets while he announced high school games… And built a new home for his family in Blacksburg. And this Ring was with him in final days… As he prepared for his spiritual journey And so…. As I hold this magnificent, enduring symbol of my Father’s significant existence… I can feel the warmth and fervor from its owner. And I want you to know…. Dad. That through the years you have grown in my heart. My pride in you runs immense and deep. And I clench my jaws with firm resolve To know that we are of your blood And of a fine heritage. You are bigger than life. And you always have been. To me you were a most Wonderful and Great Man. A Man to be admired and emulated. And I shall always be proud to call you…. My Father. Your Son, Ted

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