Graduation and Beyond.

USNA Graduation 2008.  It was wonderful.

The stadium was filled with proud family and friends.  Most importantly, it was filled with over 1000 new members of our military family.  All of them volunteering to serve during time of war.

We had the Blue Angels fly-over.  Low.

Admiral Mullen gave the commencement speech.  He told the new Ensigns and 2nd Lts. to hold themselves to the standard their families and countrymen do.  Sage advice.

Degrees were conferred and the oaths were administered.  235 brand new 2nd Lts.  As career choices go, there was only one group with a larger number.  Naval Pilots.  247.

At last came the moment everyone associates with USNA graduation.  The cap toss.

After the official ceremony, came the less attended, unofficial one of pinning on the ensign boards or the 2nd Lt. bars.  Moms, dads, significant others and friends played their part in that one.

And the class of 2008, just like the classes who've graduated before them, began their separate journeys.  Block leave and then on to places like Quantico or Pensacola. 

Some will be married by the time they arrive at their first real duty station.  Spouses might be new to the military or be military brats used to our lifestyle.  You'll surely pass one in the commissary sometime soon.  The bright, shiny, brand new spouse starting the journey we're all on.  Give 'em a friendly smile when you do. 

Just as their servicemember has joined the military family, we now have new members in the spousehood.

Welcome aboard and Urrahh!!!

Comments

[Sara]

Oh I just teared up with pride. I have little affiliation to the navy, but I think the emotion came from being just a year out of college myself, and the pride I have in all our military.

I love the blue angels. When I lived in Florida I got to see them all the time. My dad was a pilot in the Air Force and the look and sound of a jet flying by never gets old. Never.

[Olivia Williams]

Hi, my name is olivia williams and i just had a question. my husband is attending boot camp right now for the navy and will be graduating on the 25th of July. my financial status is not so good right now that hes been gone and i was just wondering if the flight for me since i am his wife will be free or would i have to pay for my own transportation?