As if any further were needed, of mankind’s perfectibility.
And a motivational ceremony too – MGEN Rich Zilmer, Commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Deputy Commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and but recently returned from Iraq gave a motivational speech about the honors and obligations of a life in service during wartime, The Oath was taken and a goodly number of ensigns and second lieutenants joined the naval service with parents, friends and loved ones there to place new insignia upon shoulder boards and epaulets as appropriate. Enlisted men had been requested in advance by the newly commissioned to receive each officer’s first salute, for which service a silver dollar was exchanged, as is our custom.
Swords were passed out to the young officers of Marines – mamelukes, they are called – and it was with a bit of wry humor that your correspondent observed them marching away – it takes a certain gait to march with a sheathed sword at your side, and not everyone gets it straight away.
They will learn in time, and a great deal more besides.
Fantastic photo Lex. You both look so happy!
Thank you for sharing it with us.
The two of you in uniform side-by-side… What a wonderful picture! I’m still smiling, and I’ll bet you still are, too.
Lex,
It might also be prudent for someone slightly, er, “seasoned” to take this newly blessed Ensign in tow and havigate him towards a facility for procuring some “more better” clothing than the Navy-issue items.
The best money I ever spent was at a local uniform shop, acquiring clothing that not only fit me correctly, but gave a much better appearance to a young man’s frame. There are, in fact, times when clothing DOES make the man, and an Officer, or any sailor, who takes it upon hisself to acquire a top-notch seabag of clothing is certain to assuage the initial concerns of prospective Commanding Officers, Chiefs, etc.
Respects,
That is a picture to lift one’s spirits! The next generation stands ready to hold the line. Marvelous
Wow Lex – what a great day for you and your family. Seeing your “surrogate children” move on to the next phase of their lives, as well as seeing SN1 do the same – the looks on your faces tell the tale very well.
That and you couldn’t deny him even if you wanted to – spitting image indeed.
Congrats to all!
Congrats Capn, Both of y’all look sharp.
Proud moment, one year from an even prouder one. Thanks for sharing Captain Lex. The boy looks good, officer material indeed.
Handsome devils!
Sailors? Marching? Isn’t that like pigs flying?
That’s what I’m talkin’ about!
Congratulations to all on a day to remember.
The only problem with covers is that they hide faces. But its a very nice picture … you both look quite pleased with yourselves.
And that’s a fine bunch of colourful insignia on your uniform sir.
Great photo and I KNOW how proud you are. Can’t wait to see SNO and you in a pic at his commissioning.
GreyEagleO6
I’m not sure who looks happier or more proud. That’s a wonderful picture. You have to love men in uniform. Congratulations to you and to him!
Cap’n
Positively the best, Sir!
Good on you both.
V/r
-SJBill
Ah, young’uns growing up and making the parents proud … and a touch wistful, I’d guess.
Congrats to all!
May they be strong of heart and arm.
What a nice picture! Agree with the above that it’s hard to tell who looks prouder. Thanks for sharing with us.
Congrats Ensign! And Lex, congrats to you too sir! What a memorable day!
The long Navy Tradition of Generations of Naval Officers looks to be well underway!
-JC
I looked back and realized my last comment was sort of terse, so I decided to add on.
I like the picture, especially since our humble scribe has his name tag on the right and his wings/ribbons on the left. You have to have been hanging around here for a while to get that one.
http://www.neptunuslex.com/2006/06/23/repost-callsigns-2/
This picture reminds me of how I got here in the first place. About 4 years ago my daughter started thinking she wanted to fly jets for the Air Force. After attending an Academy Day presentation she decided the Navy was the only way to go. I’m not sure if it was the Tom Cruise look-alike Midshipman in his whites or the crusty old retired Captain/Blue and Gold officer who convinced her, but they both had a hand in it. Anyway, from that day on she’s been working towards the Navy and the Academy.
Being the good Dad I am, I decided to help her out by doing some research. I googled Naval Academy and Naval Aviator and it led me here. I’ve been here ever since. And I’ve gotten a heck of a lot more out of it than just some USNA and Navy advice.
Captain Lex, did your son decide to “Go West Young Man” and take that cruise on the Kitty Hawk this summer? I’m sure that uniform would look great on port call in Oz.
One old salt contemplates retirement and one midshipman ponders the mantle of rank Lt. JG. Has it not always been thus? Generations come after us, their fresh faces soon to face the challenges we know only so well.
In the Navy, having a good family name will help you because it is understood you will have been taught from Day 1 what duty, honor, and obligations are. Saves us some training time.
In the Navy, having a sh*t hot father won’t cut you any slack, either. You learned those lessons, or you didn’t. Your review will record your success here. And dog you for life if you can’t hack it.
A warm welcome to SN1, Lex – may he be better than his father, as gracious as his mother, and do both your family and the country proud.
Now to see if the apple has fallen far from the tree, and let the man chart his own course.
– Max
Why doesn’tyour son have his name tag or his shooting badge on?
can i please have a Nutty Buddy, a Bomb Pop, and a double scoop of plain vanilla?
So, in a year or so, I believe most of the readers around here expect to see the commissioning picture…
Babs, he was both side boy and color guard yesterday, carrying the nat’l ensign for the ceremony. They don’t wear ribbons or nametags under the harness, as I understand.
I was never chosen for color guard myself…
And SNO, being an engineering student, is on a five-year program – he graduates year after next, getting two senior years. This is a fact which chafes him sometimes, but one which I believe in time he might come to appreciate.
Um, Max, I think that can go either way. I submit, as a bad example, the McCain family. The Senator is a third-generation institutional Navy brat, has spent his entire life in one institution or another, be it USN , Hanoi Hilton, or US Senate.
I really don’t think that he understands how the regular folks think. He’s not exactly a shining example of a loyal husband, either, not to mention his involvement with the Keating Five.
And, yup, sometimes I think that he, like that Jack Kemp fellow, suffered too many licks upside the head. I honor him for manfully putting up with that, but can’t help thinking that it messed with his intellect, somewhat.
And, of course, the McCain-Feingold Act is unconstitutional and unforgivable
JTG, you got your meds just right this morning. I think it’s more a personality thing though. He’s just naturally a self-centered mean little prick.
Lex,
Congrats! What a wonderful moment for your family. My fiance and I recently got a place right across from gate #3 at the USNA. It has been a plesant experience all week to see the graduating class walk in and out with their families, all with well deserved looks of pride and broad smiles on their faces.
But, man, those Blue Angels? LOUD!!! Watching them fly in formation… gave me chills.
Again, congrats!!
KP
Super CONGRATS
I know the feeling of being there with your son… there’s nothing like it!
I remember my day, September 16, 1969 in Pensacola. Receiving my first salute from Gunnery Sergeant Bodine (Yes, I remember my drill instructors’ names to this day)!
We gave our NCO a dollar bill, folded in the same manner as a flag, held between our fingers and exchanged with a handshake following the salute. Traditions apparently change (re: silver dollar) but the meaning remains the same.
I also remember the name of the chief who really introduced me to the Navy way, “Tex” Ritter.
Thank you, gentlemen, for taking an officer and producing what they hoped to be a gentleman. As they say, “those WERE the days”!
The emotions of the experience with a son must be nothing short of overwhelming joy and pride.
Great picture!
And I just have to ask…is that an Air Force Commendation Medal to the (viewer’s) left of your National Defense Service Medal? Coz it sure looks like one! Joint tour?
Congrats! And what a great photo!
As others have said, congratulations to both of you. Impressive looking scrambled eggs and fruit salad, Lex.