Photo of West Point cadet crying at graduation represents the 'American Dream'

WEST POINT, NY -- Alix Idrache graduated from U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point this week and a few days later, he was a viral star. It all started when West Point posted a photo of Idrache on their Instagram account.

The stunning photo, captured by a Army Staff Sgt. Vito T. Bryant, shows tears streaming down Idrache's face during the graduation ceremony. And while the photo is powerful enough, his response explaining his tears are a great representation of the American Dream.

RELATED: Marine surprises son by celebrating each holiday before deployment

Here's what he wrote:

"I want to thank everyone for your kind and thoughtful comments on this picture. SSG Bryant captured a moment that I will never forget. At this moment, I was overwhelmed with emotions.

Three things came to mind and led to those tears. The first is where I started. I am from Haiti and never did I imagine that such honor would be one day bestowed on me.

The second is where I am. Men and women who have preserved the very essence of the human condition stood in that position and took the same oath. Men who preserved the Union in a dark period of this country's history. Men who scaled the face of adversity and liberated Europe from fascism and nazism. Women like CPT Griest, LT Haver, MAJ Jaster who rewrote the narrative and challenged the status quo to prove themselves worthy of being called Rangers.

The third is my future. Shortly after leave, I will report to FT. Rucker to start flight school. Knowing that one day I will be a pilot is humbling beyond words. I could not help but be flooded with emotions knowing that I will be leading these men and women who are willing to give their all to preserve what we value as the American way of life.

To me, that is the greatest honor. Once again, thank you."

The photo has received more than 4,600 likes on Instagram.