February 11, 2008
So Annapolis has been on my list of places to visit since moving down here in September 2006. From Pikesville it is only about a 45 minute drive so I finally took sometime to go for a visit. Annapolis is a pretty small place and everything is pretty much within walking distance of each other (once you get into the downtown area), which was good because I think I picked the coldest day of this very mild Maryland winter to go visit and really did not want to be walking that far.
Of course what first comes to mind when I think of Annapolis is the rich history and a beautiful community…..oh who am I kidding it’s all about the Navy boys. Annapolis is home to the US Naval Academy. Of course I had to take a tour. There are very high standards to get in but I was interested to learn that being able to swim is not one of them. It is a requirement of graduation but you have 4 years to learn how to do it. It costs about $300,000 to educate each student at the academy but there is the 5 year commitment required upon graduation in exchange for the education.
The Submarine Monument
The Naval Academy Chapel. You will find all the usual Tiffany stained glass inside as well as a single pew that remains empty at all times as a memorial to all prisioners of war and those missing in action.
Physical fitness is a very big part of a students'day. Through intramurals, club sports or varsity athletics all students are required to participate. Winning is obviously the focus but the wins and losses that matter the most are against their biggest rival Army. Like most, the school is very proud of their athletic accomplishments. They have had 2 Heisman Trophy winners, countless national champions, and have even had athletes eventually go to the Olympics and other international events. The only name on the wall I recognized though was David Robinson who played for the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.
The Heisman Trophy
Athletics are not the only focus and the school is very proud to have graduated (according to my last list of stats which may not be updated) 52 astronauts, 2 nobel prize winners, 45 Rhode Scholars, 73 Medal of Honor Recipients, 5 state govenors, 21 members of congress, 9 Commandants of the Marine Corps, 27 Chiefs of Naval Operations, 6 ambassadors and 1 President of the United States (the list had a bunch of other things too but I think you get the point).
Captains Row:home to some of the instructors...they of course have to have the rank of Captain to be able to live here. Instructors with lower ranks and civilian instructors are housed at other locations.
Looking up the stairs from the Rotunda of Bancroft Hall looking into Memorial Hall. Memorial hall is dedicated to alumni who gave their lives in defense of their country.
Tecumseh Court. The statue is of Indian Warrior Tecumseh who stands watch over the site of the noon meal formations for the Brigade of the Midshipmen. Tecumseh is bedecked in full war paint before home footbal games and the traditional game against Army was well as other major events. Before exams and football games pennies are thrown his way for good luck.
Julie
