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A unit. >> the most exciting thing in the holidays here. a lot of fun. >> washington hall isn't the most impressive structure at west point. one of the most awe-inspiring college campuses in america, the u.s. military academy was the first institution in the country to adopt the go thick style of architecture. the core buildings of west point form imposing granite fortress, symbolic of the strength and tenacity to lead the united states army in the future. among many great structures is a chap that is a gothic fortress overlooking the campus. >> something this majestic should be on the hill. 1...

The west point band is one of the finest military musical organizations. throughout the next hour we'll hear them on the field. ♪ >> jon: in the halls. ♪ ♪ >> jon: on stage as they perform for the public in their annual holiday concert. but before we get to the music, let's go to washington, d.c. for a special message from general martin dempsey, chairman of the joints chiefs of staff and 1974 west point graduate. general? >> thanks for the opportunity to showcase this national treasure in the holidays. and hear the music of the west point band, the army's oldest and one of the very best...

Inside the west point band for "sleigh ride." ♪ ♪ ♪ hear the sleigh bells ringing ♪ ♪ come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with ♪ w is falling and friends are calling you hoo ♪ ♪ you-hoo ♪ c'mon, it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you ♪ ♪ ♪

>> jon: glad you're with us. i'm jon scott on the grounds of west point to bring you the sound of the west point band. the academy sits on plateau, overlooking the hudson river. location chosen in 1778 is no accident. george washington builds his first colonial camp on the west point of the hudson river. this is the oldest continuously operated post in u.s. military. >> general washington chose this location to stop the british advancement during the revolutionary war. 24 years later, legislation signed by thomas jefferson in 1802, the college was established, devoted to training professional ...

Concert as the special continues as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the united states military academy. but as we take a quick break, here is the west point cadet glee club singing "mansions of the lord." ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪