Americans at West Point, California, joined in a shared expression of solidarity, concern, and compassion for the 53 Americans seized from the U.S. Embassy and held hostage by the Government of Iran, while also paying tribute to U.S. military personnel who were wounded or lost their lives in an attempt to rescue those held in Teheran. Dated May 2, 1980, the 181st day of the captivity, this expression also voiced indignation at Iran's violation of decency and humanity. The hostages were released after 444 days, and their release coincided with the ceremony installing new U.S. President Ronald William Reagan on January 21, 1981.