May 26 – Annapolis, MD

City Mooring Field

“One must travel, to learn.” —Mark Twain

Annapolis has been home to the United States Naval Academy since 1845. It was established under Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft and is the second oldest of the United States' five service academies, and educates officers for commissioning primarily into the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. Today we went to the academy to watch the color parade held at Worden Field. The Color Parade is the oldest parade at the U.S. Naval Academy, a tradition that began in 1867.

The Brigade of Midshipmen marches from Bancroft Hall to the parade field accompanied by the academy band and the drum & bugle corps. At the field, midshipmen perform the manual of arms, render honors to the senior officer or civilian dignitary present, and pass in review before the official party and guests. It is the Midshipmen’s last full dress parade while at the academy. It was very impressive to watch.

Officer housing - The academy grounds are beautiful

The Main Chapel at the Naval Academy  

Color Parade at the Naval Academy 

It was a picture perfect day in Annapolis

Dinner with our friends Burt and Prue. We'll see them again in New England or Maine later in the summer.