Oct 10, 2012

We toured the United States Naval Academy which was established in 1845 at Fort Severn by Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft.  While walking the scenic grounds of the academy known as the Yard, the contrasts in the architecture reflect the long and distinguished history of the academy.
On this national historic site, the academy's tree-shaded monuments commemorate the courageous graduates and their contributions to the naval history.   At noon we caught the 4,000+ Brigade of  Midshipman meal formation which was a site.
Later that day we meet up with our Canadian friends, John & Rita who marched in with the Navy Brigade parade!  Great seeing them again!

United States Naval Academy

 The Navy was the first military branch that purchsed the Wright Brother's plane which a replica is displayed in
Dahlgren Hall where Midshipman social activities are often held.

Navy Chapel

Naval Chapel located on a high point of the Yard with a sweeping view of the Severn River, the chapel
was dedicated in 1908 and conducts Catholic and protestant services which are open to the public.  Beautiful stained glass windows were designed by Tiffany and Gotham Studios.

One of the greatest revolutionary war naval heroes, John Paul Jones is enshrined beneath the chapel.  His
remains, brought to America in 1905 after 113 years of obscurity in a Persian cemetery, were found by General Horace Porter, U. S. Ambassador to France.

Naval Academy Memorial Hall, the sign reads "Don't Give Up the Ship."

We saw a Navy Brigade dress parade of 4,000+ midshipman saluting the town of Annapolis with a 21 gun salute firing over the river.