A TRIBUTE

I attended yesterday's memorial for those Academy Graduates missing and
presumed KIA on September 11th. Even though the Brigade had final exams,
virtually all midshipmen who did not have an early morning exam were in
attendance as well as enough civilian employees to fill the front of the
hall. It was a solemn tribute with the band playing American favorites like
"America the Beautiful" and "This Land is My Land." There were TV crews and
photographers aplenty capturing every moment. When the official party came
into the hall, the room snapped to attention with one collective snap. It
had been awhile since I had executed an "atten HUT" and it somehow felt very
familiar.

The chaplain started with a beautiful prayer commemorating the day and
offering quiet reflection with the band playing "Eternal Father" in the
background. There was a long pause after the last note was played. The
Commandant waited until the music had totally faded before continuing the
ceremony. It was as if the walls wanted to capture the moment with the
music and hold it dear.

The Commandant made a short speech reflecting on the significance of the day
and of those who survived and of those who did not, including 14 graduates,
eternally a "shipmate." We sang the National Anthem in their memory.
Afterwards, the ship's bell tolled for each of the graduates lost as their
names and graduation years were individually read.

It struck me that some of the graduates who perished were no longer in
military service, yet were given full military honors. It reminded everyone
that they are part of a bigger family that will forever remain a part of
their identity--whether they pursue a military career or not.

The mood was quite somber, but I left in a hopeful mood, remembering
President Bush's words that we "will not falter and will not fail." If the
midshipmen did not understand their purpose and calling, I think it became
unboundedly clear on that rainy morning.

I was not the only one wiping tears from my face. Officers, enlisted,
midshipmen, civilian, young and old alike, internalized the experience and
walked away changed.

Linda Mallory
Sponsor Mom-Annapolis
(Thank you Linda for allowing me to share your tribute)