Even though a "Navy man," President Kennedy was presented this 14-karat gold United States Military Academy class ring when he spoke to the graduating class of the US Military Academy at West Point on June 6, 1962. The following quotes are from his speech:
...So that I know you feel a sense of pride in being part of that tradition, and as a citizen of the United States, as well as President, I want to express our high regard to all of you in appreciation for what you are doing and what you will do for our country in the days ahead. I would also like to announce at this time that as Commander in Chief I am exercising my privilege of directing the Secretary of the Army and the Superintendent of West Point to remit all existing confinements and other cadet punishments, and hope that it will be possible to carry this out today....
...The graduates of West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Academy in the next 10 years will have the greatest opportunity for the defense of freedom that this Academy's graduates have ever had....
Mounted on the center of the ring is a gold Presidential seal with the following text encircling it: "West Point 1962." "John F. Kennedy" is engraved in script on the inside of the ring. In addition, the class crest is engraved on one side of the ring representing friendships within the class and the crest of the Academy is engraved on the opposite side to serve as a constant reminder of the ideals of West Point. The crests contain the motto [Country, Honor, Duty], the cadet and army sabers, an eagle, "USMA" and the class year [1962]. Excellent condition. 1 diameter