One of the best things about Annapolis is the pomp and circumstance surrounding the graduation of approximately 1000 Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy. Many of the events listed here are open to the public; but please remember that with this, comes congestion. Please plan routine trips accordingly.
Monday, May 19- USMC BATTLE COLOR DETACHMENT SILENT DRILL PERFORMANCE -USNA on Worden Field (PUBLIC)
The U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon from the Marine Corps Barracks at 8th & I, Washington, D.C., will perform with a Drum and Bugle Corps and Color Guard. The Marines will execute a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their hand-polished, 10 and one-half pound, M-1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. The routine concludes with a unique rifle inspection sequence demonstrating elaborate rifle spins and tosses. There is an opportunity to meet the Marines following the performance.
Monday, May 19 – HERNDON MONUMENT CLIMB – USNA in front of Chapel (PUBLIC)
Members of the fourth class (freshmen or “plebes”) will climb the 21-foot obelisk in order to retrieve a white plebe “dixie cup” hat on top of the monument and replace it with an upperclassman’s hat.
Wednesday, May 21- BLUE ANGELS PERFORMANCE- Over the Severn River (PUBLIC)
The U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron’s Blue Angels will perform a variety of high-speed, aerobatic precision-maneuvers in an approximate two-hour performance over the Severn River. Best viewing areas are from Ingram Field (narration can be heard from this area), portions of Farragut Field and Hospital Point on Naval Academy grounds. Spectators from other viewing areas can tune-in to WNAV1430 AM to hear the broadcast of the narration. The Blue Angels will also practice on Tuesday, May 20th in the afternoon. There will be road and water restrictions in place.
Thursday, May 22- Color Parade USNA on Worden Field (PUBLIC)
The highlight of the Color Parade is the formal presentation of the colors (flags) by the superintendent, the company commander and the “color honoree” to the newly designated spring color company. Each semester, the color company is designated by virtue of its excellence in academics, athletics and professional accomplishments throughout the semester. The color company competition began in 1867.
Friday, May 23– Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (NOT PUBLIC)
Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony
The commissioning and graduation ceremony is the culmination of the four-year education and training of the men and women of the Class of 2014. Each graduate receives a Bachelor of Science degree and takes the oath of office as they are each commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy or as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
For more information about the Naval Academy, visit www.usna.edu.
