Fine Trip - Part 3 - Graduation Day

Hi All
23 June 2010

Graduation Day
28 May 2010

Alex could have told you how many days until graduation 4 years ago (one of the rites of passage to being a Plebe)
It's here! today is the day! and the weather has cooperated by actually becoming cooler, is overcast and less humid. We are thrilled as are the soon to be 2nd Lt.s and Ensign's. However , Alex is wound tighter than a drum and anxious to get to there ON TIME. So much so that he couldn't even wait until we got into the parking lot, he jumped out and walked the rest of the way to his muster location as we waited in traffic entering the stadium parking.
Back to yesterday and the color parade - funny thing happened - Alex is getting ready and had his uniform on before he left. Dark pants, dark top. He drives over to the yard and turns the corner and realizes he's not dressed properly - he's to have on white pants. - he whips his car around and makes a bee line for the house calling us on the way on how to get into the house - we have all left by then and it was locked up. We call the owner and she gives us the garage numeric code, he undresses in the car - runs in, grabs white pants and races back to the Yard with only 10 minutes to spare. Luckily he wasn't stopped by the police as he admits he stretched several traffic laws getting to and from. Needless to say there were a few choice word emitting from Alex's mouth when he discovered he was not in the right uniform.
We arrive in the parking lot only to be directed to park in the grass - well remember the rain from just hours ago - well it's making it a muddy mess. We had planned to drink coffee and have pastries in the lot before going in - well no one ( me) felt comfortable trying to stay clean and do this whole routine so I indicated that we might as well go in - get good seats and eat at the concessions - which is what we did. One word of advice - don't get the breakfast egg/sausage muffin - it was horrible.
Well we sat there for 1:45 hrs until finally at 8:45, the band started to play Pomp and Circumstance - and here from the far end zone begins the entry 2 by 2 of the 1028 graduating class of 2010. They entered, top 100 honors graduates first then by company and alphabetically. Alex in 7th Company sat directly in front of us. Christine couldn't have picked better seats. Then all the underclassmen filed in and took their place in the stands. Following this were all the professors and military instructors. Next came the invited dignitaries. At about this time the Vice President's helicopter flew over , circled the stadium and went off to land. Joe Biden and Admiral Gary Roughead - Chief of Naval Operations then arrive in Joe's limo and they take the podium to ruffles and flourishes.
At exactly 10:04, the Blue Angels do their fly over to the cheers of the assembled 25,000 spectators. Speeches commence with Joe Biden going last. He spoke as politicians do - with friendly banter and glad handing for 15 minutes then for the remaining 15 minutes he spoke of Obama's 4 pillars of the economic recovery. An audible groan was heard from the collective audience when he introduced that subject. The one high lite of his speech was when he mentioned John McCain's name. The partisan Naval Academy crowd cheered this and Joe joined in the celebration of acknowledging a true American Hero.
Next came the commissioning of the Marines and the Ensigns. Following this the top 100 honor students were awarded their diplomas and then began the long line of the remaining 928 graduates. As the excitement built and Alex's row stood to get in line, the grins were ear to ear. Finally his name is called and Alex strode up the ramp, shook Joe Biden's hand, then Admiral Roughead's who presented him with his diploma, shook Admiral Fowler's ( The Supe) hand and strode down the adjoin ramp holding his diploma and commissioning letter high over his head. At the bottom of the ramp, a member of the class of 1960 - another link in the chain - 50 years ago and a tradition at the Academy presented Alex with his 2nd Lt. bars. As Alex strode back to his seat, his grin was like the Cheshire Cat - Huge , Wide and Un-eraseable! We of course were hooting and hollering our support 30 strong in the stands! What a moment. I have a video of it and will post pictures as well. (as I will of this whole vacation)

After the last Midshipman received his diploma a huge roar came from the masses as we knew what was coming. The president of the class of 2011 stood and led 3 cheers by the underclassman to "those who were about to leave us". The Class of 2010 then stood and were cheering wildly in anticipation of the final event of their Naval Academy journey. The 3 cheers to "those we are about to leave behind" - Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray and with that 1028 Naval Academy caps flew into the air making the photo op it always is. Cheers, Hugs, Laughing and I'm sure a few tears of joy were in display -and that was only me ! As the kids ran to retrieve the now unowned caps, the masses started to either file down to the field or out of the stadium to where they were to meet their now newly commissioned officer. Alex had chosen the Blue Angel F-18 on display outside the stadiums entrance. We along with what seemed like hundreds of other parents and families used it as a back drop to where Christine first presented Alex with his Marine Corps Officers cap and we "Pinned" Alex's 2nd Lt. bars to his shoulder. What a proud moment.

As the numerous photos were being taken, I noticed a Plebe standing there with Alex attending to her. I suddenly realized that Alex had chosen her to give him his first Salute. The tradition is that you pay for your first salute with a genuine SILVER dollar. (Alex took several hours with Samantha to locate a real silver dollar the day before finding one at a jewelry store where he paid too much for it) With the salute accomplished, Alex then told us why he had chosen her - it was because her grit and determination though out the year impressed him and he thought she was best rewarded with the silver dollar.
This done and the picture session winding down, I suggested that we retire to the cars where I had bought a cooler full of beer to enjoy while we waited for the traffic to ease out of the parking lot. Well it was then I noticed that the real surge had not yet begun so I further suggested that we just get while the getting was good and leave. We did and returned to the house where the real party started. Michael's family and the Morrow family joined forces in planning the party with Brandon - Alex's roommate and family also joining in the fun. In all we had about 60 - 70 people through the house that day.
Christine and Theresa had planned a wonderful menu which came together perfectly. If you left the house that day not completely satisfied in food in drink- then you'd never be a happy person. Music, laughter ensued and then towards evening cigars came out to toast the new officers. I even smoked one to honor Alex and Michael , getting about 1/2 way through before turning green. Over the edge of the deck it went - yuck!
Michael is a Ensign and will be stationed in Norfolk aboard a destroyer. Brandon will be stationed in San Diego aboard a cruiser. Alex is headed to Quantico for 6 months of "The Basic School" where all Marines learn how to lead men the Marine way. He reports July 5.

Well the party started to break up as people who would be leaving early in the morning began to say their goodbyes bidding fare well and good luck to Alex, Michael and Brandon. I went to the bedroom at around 11p to use the restroom and was found sleeping on top of the bed by Christine well after midnight. She, like me, was exhausted from the week's activities and responsibilities of being the host. She got me into bed and followed shortly after.
What a marvelous, wonderful, exciting and proud day made all the better by being surrounded by all we love. I'm honored to have friends and family that are such good people.
Love to All
Scott