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thedrifter
05-18-06, 06:14 AM
Each Spring, an Academy (and Community) Rite
Thursday, May 18, 2006; AA03

Each year about 1,000 midshipmen graduate from the prestigious Naval Academy. Graduation would not be complete without the fireworks, rigorous challenges and fighter-plane demonstrations that mark the annual rite of passage known as Commissioning Week. Because the Naval Academy is strongly tied to the Annapolis community, many local residents look forward to these age-old traditions each spring. Here is a schedule of activities, including parades, ceremonies and live concerts.
Flag Raising

Each morning Marines, accompanied by the Naval Academy Band, will raise the American flag. 8 a.m. Monday through next Thursday. Tecumseh Court.
Herndon Monument Climb

The Herndon Monument climb marks a plebe's ascent from freshman to upperclassman. For their final assignment, plebes scale a 21-foot obelisk slathered with more than 200 pounds of lard. Through teamwork and perseverance, the plebes attempt to raise one of their classmates to the top to switch a white plebe "Dixie cup" hat with an upperclassman's hat.

According to Naval Academy lore, the first plebe to scale the monument and switch the hats will be the first member of the class to become an admiral. The standing record to beat is 1 minute 30 seconds, set in 1969, but the climb can last as long as four hours. 9 a.m. today. Herndon Monument, outside the Naval Academy Chapel.
Recognition Ceremony

The Plebe Recognition Ceremony formally honors the accomplishments of the Class of 2009 and its members' transition to third-class midshipmen. Members of the Class of 1959 will present third-class anchors to the plebes to symbolize a 50-year bond. 2 p.m. today. Alumni Hall.
Ring Dance and Fireworks


Each Naval Academy class designs its own ring with a unique crest. A fireworks display at the Naval Academy's Hospital Point Seawall will take place during the ring dance. The fireworks display can be viewed from neighborhoods surrounding the Academy. 10 p.m. Saturday. Downtown Annapolis.
Dedication Parade


The first Dedication Parade was held at the Naval Academy in 1969. The yearly dress parade honors academy faculty members who are retiring, who are completing 20 or more years of service or who have been selected as professors emeriti. Various awards and honors are handed out during the ceremony to commend teaching, service and leadership. 11 a.m. to noon, Monday. Worden Field.
Glee Club Concerts


The Men's Glee Club is one of the largest and most active of the Naval Academy's musical organizations. It has appeared on the "Today" show, at presidential inaugural galas and at the Kennedy Center. The group also has toured nationally from Florida to California. It performs twice during Commissioning Week, first solo and then with the Women's Glee Club. 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. Mahan Hall. $15.
Blue Angels


The Blue Angels, known officially as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, have performed their precision flying demonstrations for millions of spectators. Their appearance during Commissioning Week is a 50-year tradition. Flying at 15,000 feet and 450 mph, the Blue Angels show off their aerial artistry with four-plane diamond formations and two-plane head-on stunts. The pilots are scheduled to practice on Tuesday and perform a 45-minute show Wednesday. The best viewing areas are Ingram Field, Farragut Field and Hospital Point. Practice, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday. Performance, 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Electric Brigade


The Naval Academy's rock band, complete with horns, percussion and electric guitars, will perform. 1 p.m. Wednesday. Ingram Field. Free.
Organ Concert


Monte Maxwell, Naval Academy organist and assistant director of musical activities, performs every Sunday during Catholic Mass. For Commissioning Week, Maxwell will perform in a public concert. 4 p.m. Wednesday. Main Chapel. Free.
Gospel Choir


The Naval Academy Gospel Choir tours twice a year, bringing both spirituals and old-fashioned gospel to people across the country. It also regularly singsat the Academy's Sunday chapel services and at local schools, conferences and community centers. In a yearly tradition, it hosts a Commissioning Week concert. 6 p.m. Wednesday. Mahan Hall. $10.
Color Parade


The Color Parade is the oldest special parade at the U.S. Naval Academy, a tradition which began in 1871. In its last full-dress parade, the company that has excelled academically, athletically and professionally throughout the year is honored by receiving the "colors" (company flags) of last year's winners. The event is open to the public but seating is provided only for Academy faculty and staff members and for relatives and friends of graduating midshipmen. 11 a.m. to noon. next Thursday. Worden Field.

General Information


· Phone Lines

To obtain daily schedule information about Naval Academy events, call 410-293-1000 or visit www.usna.edu .

· Shuttle Buses

Free shuttle bus rides will be provided. Shuttle buses will run from the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium every half hour from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through next Thursday. For information, call 410-293-1000 or visit www.usna.edu .

· Concert Tickets

Call 410-293-8497.

-- Compiled by LAUREN WISEMAN

Ellie