United States Naval Academy - Annapolis, MD
June 11th, 2009We visited the United States Naval Academy and thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Although we are always proud to be Americans, seeing the work and dedication these young men and women show, makes us even more proud.
Each year the USNA receives 10,000-14,000 applications for admission. Only 1,200 are accepted each year and each applicant needs to have a letter of recommendation from their senator or congressman. They attend a four year undergraduate program which costs the USNA $350,000 over those four years. After graduation, they commit to serve in the Navy or Marines for five years. Many become “lifers.”
We had a very knowledgeable tour guide and our tour lasted approximately one hour and a half. We began in the Lejeune Athletic Complex. The true competition every year is between Navy and Army. These footballs represent each game and who won it. Navy is in the lead and they are quite proud of that fact.
They proudly display two Heisman Trophies of their graduates Roger Staubach (1963) and Joe Bellino (1960).
This is Dahlgren Hall which used to be their ice rink. That was relocated and this facility became the site for dances, early graduations, etc. It is a beautiful building and each state flag is proudly displayed.
We walked all around the campus and visited Memorial Hall. Many receptions are held each year there. It is a lovely facility inside
and out.
Each year this statue is painted with many colors for different events such as football games, graduation, etc.
Bancroft Hall where all of the midshipmen are housed and fed.
Their beautiful chapel was closed for restoration. Our guide told us that in the summer, each Saturday there may be four or five wedding ceremonies.
Since the students are off on break, we felt lucky to see a midshipman in uniform. We could see that he was talking on his phone. I like to think he was calling his mother.
Last we toured the John Paul Jones crypt. He had been buried in France and was moved here 118 years after his death. His body had been surrounded in alcohol soaked straw and only the tip of his nose had deteriorated. Now he has been laid to rest in this beautiful facility.
Our tour was informative and enlightening and we enjoyed every minute. Go Navy!
