<p>My understanding is, at the request of 21st Company, the Cover placed upon Herndon today belonged to Midshipman Kristen Dickmann. May God bless and protect them all.</p>
<p>Yes, verified by this reporter:
wjz.com</a> - Video Library</p>
<p>The request of the Class of 2011 by 21st company to honor Kristen Dickmann is the type of gesture that makes attendance at the Naval Academy and the other SAs so special, and what being there is all about. Once a Classmate always a Classmate.</p>
<p>Not only SA's but all of us:</p>
<p>"And Crisspin Crispin shall ne'er go by. From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"</p>
<p>William Shakespeare, HENRY V</p>
<p>Both the Dixie Cup and the Combo cover were both Kristen's. We asked our class to vote, and 90% of them voted to use her covers</p>
<p>I can't look at those Herndon photos, seeing Kristin's cover poised on the top, without crying. This has touched my mother's heart deeply.</p>
<p>There are those who feel that from the beginning in 1976, when women first were admitted to USNA, that it was a mistake. There is still at times, what old-school feminists labelled 'male chauvenism' still at play for females at the Naval Academy.</p>
<p>While I myself have mixed feelings about mixing the sexes for military training - and I am the mother of a female midshipman, no less....seeing Midshipman Dickmann's cover put there by a male midshipman, with the joyous affirmation of the Class of 2011 - may be the best statement that can ever be made to put an end to any lingering prejudice.</p>
<p>Jesus said: "Greater love has no man than this, than that he give his life for his friends." Dear Kristin went to take a nap a few days ago - never knowing on this side of heaven that her death would bring a unity to her Classmates that is historic and never to be forgotten.</p>
<p>If I could, I would salute every member of the Class of 2011 individually for this wonderful, class-act statement.</p>
<p>God bless our mids - These "Plebes no more" and all the present and future and past midshipmen at the amazing school known as the United States Naval Academy.</p>
<p>Like peskemom, I was deeply touched by pictures of Kristin's cover on Herndon. The class of 2011 is officially "plebes no more" next week when they get shoulder boards after 2008 commissioning. </p>
<p>An Annapolis mother recently sent a message to the USNA parents' listserv describing her visit to the cemetary @ the Academy.
Propped among flowers at Kristin's graveside: two sets of shoulder boards.</p>
<p>(Advisory to mothers of plebes-to-be: STOCK UP ON TISSUES NOW!)</p>
<p>Yes, I have to admit that I got goosebumps watching MIDN Dickmann's cover go up at the top of the obelisk. It made me realize how special this place is.</p>
<p>Shouder Boards & Flowers. That must have been a beautiful sight. Fathers need tissues also.</p>
<p>First female cover on Herndon as well. Awesome tribute to an inspiring young lady. Kristen will live on in so many hearts, for so many reasons.</p>
<p>This was one of my most memorable experiences. I know that Kristen was looking over us.
We did it for her.</p>
<p>Kristen was one of the most amazing people I've ever met, our company was indescribably blessed to know her. I remember she told me a few days before she died, that she liked being a Plebe and that at Herndon she was just going to sit on the side and take pictures.</p>
<p>An upperclass mid holds Midn Dickmann's cover...</p>
<p>peskemom, I've got tears in my eyes just from reading your post! </p>
<p>Anyway- the picture of Herndon, with MIDN Dickmann's over, made every front page in Annapolis this past week- a more fitting tribute I could not imagine!</p>
<p>Navy2010, since you have access to the official list-serve - did you check out that amazing video a Plebe mom put together of Herndon? Ask me privately if you didn't. More tears are guaranteed to flow!</p>