Traditions Lost

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>Herndon Climb, other USNA rituals changing
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<p>Uptown Annapolis Living
Sea Trials will be closed to parents and sponsors</p>

<p>By EARL KELLY, Staff Writer
Published January 17, 2008
To reduce the possibility of injuries during the annual rite of climbing the Herndon Monument, the Naval Academy may limit the number of freshmen allowed to participate in scaling the grease-covered obelisk.
The Herndon Climb is but one of the academy's spring festivities that is being reviewed, and some will be curtailed or even eliminated.</p>

<p>"Similar to how our Navy looks at all traditions in the fleet, we are evaluating the Herndon Monument Climb to ensure the event remains a valid part of our heritage but it is conducted with professionalism, respect, and most important, safety in mind," academy spokesman Cmdr. Ed Austin said yesterday. "The commandant has selected a team of midshipmen to review the Herndon ceremony and provide recommendations for a traditional and meaningful evolution emphasizing teamwork and determination."</p>

<p>Cmdr. Austin said some version of the climb will take place on May 15.</p>

<p>Also, Cmdr. Austin said, Sea Trials, a day of physical and mental exercises designed to test plebes toward the end of their freshman year, will not be open to parents and sponsors this year.</p>

<p>The previous superintendent, now-retired Vice Adm. Rodney P. Rempt, opened the trials for parents and sponsors to watch, but the new superintendent, Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler, aims to make Sea Trials more of a training exercise.</p>

<p>Also under Adm. Rempt, the week before Commissioning Week for seniors was called Recognition Week, for the freshmen and their families.</p>

<p>That week of festivities will be curtailed, Cmdr. Austin said, and the term "Recognition Week" will no longer be used.</p>

<p>"Completing plebe year is an important first step in the development of midshipmen," he said, "but it is just one of many significant elements in a four-year process."</p>

<p>The Plebe Parents Dinner and the Welcome Parade, all parts of the week of celebrations, "have been discontinued," Cmdr. Austin said.</p>

<p>Under the previous administration, the Herndon Climb was followed by the Plebe Recognition Ceremony, when freshmen received the insignia of third year midshipmen.</p>

<p>Now, the ceremony has been abolished, Cmdr. Austin said.</p>

<p>"Promotion to midshipman third class (sophomores) will occur upon graduation of the Class of 2008 on May 23," Cmdr. Austin said.</p>

<p>Herndon Climb</p>

<p>Sources said academy officials worry some midshipmen will be injured scaling the Herndon Monument, a 21-foot granite obelisk.</p>

<p>One change may be that a smaller number of plebes - not the whole class - may be allowed to participate in the climb this year.</p>

<p>Academy spokesman Judy Campbell said minor injuries happen each year, but she couldn't recall any instances of serious injury.</p>

<p>The Herndon Climb traditionally involves nearly all of the freshmen, or plebes, forming a human pyramid around the base of the lard-coated, 21-foot tall granite obelisk. Some freshmen are always exempted, though, because they are on various other assignments.</p>

<p>The climb typically involves an hour or two of mids struggling upward and slipping downward, until one member of the class finally succeeds in getting on his classmates' shoulders and removing a plebe hat, or "dixie cup," that upperclassmen taped to the top of the monument. He then replaces the plebe hat with a midshipman's hat.</p>

<p>This task must be done while upperclassmen soak the freshmen with a garden hose.</p>

<p>The Herndon Climb at times has been the subject of controversy since women were admitted in 1976, as some female midshipmen have reported being near the top of the climb, only to be pulled down by men who didn't want them to have the honor.</p>

<p>The Herndon Climb is always an emotional end to the first year at the academy, and hundreds of midshipmen's friends and family members gather to watch the event and cheer on their plebes.</p>

<p>Legend has it that the freshman who climbs Herndon will be the first to reach the rank of admiral. The legend has never proved to be true, according to the Naval Academy.</p>

<p>Dwight E. Crevelt, who climbed the monument in 58 minutes in 1976, could still recall the details this week.</p>

<p>"I got nearly to the top, and fell flat on my face in the mud," he said. "My roommate, both of us small guys weighing about 115 or 118 pounds, then looked at each other and took a run for it again. We got to the top and he yelled 'Go for it!'"</p>

<p>Mr. Crevelt said the concern about serious injuries was "garbage" and "political correctness run amok."</p>

<p>"The climb is self-limiting," Mr. Crevelt, of Las Vegas. "The whole class can't get around there (the base) anyway, because there is not enough space, and not everybody wants to get all muddy and greasy."</p>

<p>In recent years, the plebe who makes it to the top gets a vice admiral's shoulder boards, compliments of the superintendent, but in Mr. Crevelt's day the victorious freshman got to wear the superintendent's hat.</p>

<p>"(Then-Rear) Adm. Kinnaird McKee gave me his cap, and I was authorized to wear it a full week," Mr. Crevelt said. "I was an admiral for a week, I wore it around town and everybody saluted me. Even the commandant saluted me."</p>

<p>Mr. Crevelt left the academy at the end of his sophomore year because of poor eyesight, but went on to help form a chapter of the academy's Alumni Association in Las Vegas, and to making a career in designing computer programs for the gaming industry.</p>

<p>The Herndon Monument was erected in 1860 to honor Cmdr. William Lewis Herndon, an academy graduate who died at sea in 1857.</p>

<p>The annual climb has its roots in 1907, when a group of plebes unexpectedly formed around the monument on Commissioning Day, according to the Naval Academy.</p>

<p>Plebes began climbing the monument in 1940, and around 1949 the upperclassmen began lubricating the monument.</p>

<p>The academy started recording times sporadically in 1959, when the time was 12 minutes. A midshipman scaled the monument in 1962 in only three minutes, by using a cargo net, but such devices have since been banned.</p>

<p>The longest time, according to Naval Academy records, stands at 4 hours, 5 minutes and 17 seconds, recorded in 1995.</p>

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<p>I don't really care about everything else, but I am sorry to see the Herndon being changed.</p>

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<p>It doesn't really change it unless they abolish the whole thing. My classmates won't just watch as 200 people scramble for the top. They'll all join the fray. They can't fry all of us. Can they??</p>

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<p>Ummm....yes they can. There are many things they could do.
You wouldn't be getting "e-fried," though!</p>

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<p>From the Alumni Association to the Parents Clubs:</p>

<p>U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association
410.295.4019</p>

<p>GO NAVY!</p>

<p>+++++++++++++++++++</p>

<p>We understand that the Annapolis Capital is writing a story on the Herndon Monument Climb because rumors have implied that the climb will be canceled. George Watt, President and CEO of the USNA Alumni Association & Foundation, met with the Supe recently and received clarification on this and other events.</p>

<p>Herndon Monument Climb</p>

<p>The Naval Academy has scheduled the annual Plebe class Herndon Monument Climb for Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 0900. This tradition has been practiced since 1940 with many variations on the uniform, participation, rules (such as a greased or ungreased monument) and even timing of the event relative to graduation and commissioning (we think you will enjoy the history by Jim Cheevers which we have included at the end of this email).</p>

<p>Similar to how the Navy looks at all traditions in the Fleet, the Academy is evaluating the Herndon Monument Climb to ensure the event remains a valid part of our heritage but it is conducted with professionalism, respect, and most important, safety in mind.</p>

<p>The Commandant has selected a team of midshipmen to review the Herndon ceremony and provide recommendations for a traditional and meaningful evolution emphasizing teamwork and determination.</p>

<p>Further information regarding the Herndon Monument Climb will be provided once the Commandant makes her decision.</p>

<p>Other Commissioning Week events. </p>

<p>Here is an overview of what we know so far:</p>

<p>Recognition Week – Completing Plebe Year is an important first step in the development of midshipmen, but it is just one of many significant elements in a four-year process. Therefore, the week during which Sea Trials and Herndon occur will no longer be referred to as Recognition Week. The formerly official Recognition Ceremony, Plebe Parents Dinner and Recognition Week Welcome Parade have been discontinued</p>

<p>Sea Trials – In the past, Sea Trials has not been open to the public, but parents and sponsors were invited to watch plebes participate in Sea Trials at specific locations. This year, the focus on Sea Trials has shifted to training Plebes. Arrangements have not been made to accommodate observers during Sea Trials and parents and sponsors will not be invited to watch the event.</p>

<p>Commissioning week events</p>

<p>Dedication Parade- The Dedication Parade, held in honor of specific Naval Academy faculty, is scheduled for 11am on Monday, May 19 on Worden Field. Parents and guests are welcome to attend. C</p>

<p>Blue Angels - The Blue Angels Flight Demonstration is scheduled for 2pm on Wednesday, May 21. Parents and guests are welcome to attend.</p>

<p>Color Parade - The Color Parade, held in honor of the Color is scheduled for 11am on Thursday, May 22 on Worden Field. Parents and guests are welcome to attend.</p>

<p>Graduation and Commissioning - Graduation and Commissioning occurs at 10am on Friday, May 23 at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (or in Alumni Hall in the event of rain) and is open by invitation only to parents and guests. Please note that is a ticketed event with limited seating.</p>

<p>You can refer to the Master Schedule, available online at Naval</a> Academy Calendars, for the most recent information.</p>

<p>No mention of any of the Garden Parties?</p>

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<p>Hey Profmom, could you post the Jim Cheevers history?</p>

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<p>HERNDON MONUMENT CLIMB
(By James Cheevers, Senior Curator, USNA Museum )</p>

<p>What has love got to do with it? The Plebe Recognition Ceremony or Herndon Monument Climb at the U.S. Naval Academy had its origins in the fact that plebes or freshmen were not permitted to date or fraternize with women.</p>

<p>Among the locations inside the academy grounds where midshipmen could meet women on a Sunday afternoon was a walkway in the central part of the yard which became known as " Love Lane ," later also called "Lover's Lane." The walk was most likely established in new landscaping created after the return of the Naval Academy to Annapolis from its Civil War sojourn in Newport , Rhode Island . The lane was provisioned with benches and led past the Herndon Monument , which had been erected in June 1860, and later the bandstand. Midshipmen were prohibited from walking on " Love Lane " during their plebe year.</p>

<p>Following the graduation of the last section of the class of 1907 in the new armory, later Dahlgren Hall, on June 6, 1907, the plebes, class of 1910, after sitting "through the graduation with ennui ... finally swooped out to swarm around the Herndon Monument, cheering everyone and everything" on what they called "the day we rated youngsters." They had become third classmen or sophomores, also known as youngsters, and they were now permitted to walk on " Love Lane ." The "swoop out" became an annual ritual snake dance called "tain't no mo' plebes." In their Lucky Bag yearbook the class of 1911 history states: "Impatiently we waited for the word 'dismissed,' and then what a race for the heretofore forbidden precincts of the Lane! How we sang and capered round the monument! The memory of that bright day is still with us, and perhaps none but our own graduation day can eclipse it."</p>

<p>The ritual snake dance with the wearing of uniform jackets and hats reversed can be traced through pictures, captions, and class histories in the Lucky Bag yearbooks from 1907 onward, learning the nuances in uniform changes, the number of participants, and the eventual increased attention given to the Herndon Monument itself. Finally in 1940, the plebes of the class of 1943 actually began climbing up the monument. The original objective was to have a member of the class perch himself on the very top of the obelisk. It appears in pictorial evidence that the tradition of placing an officer's white hat on the top to show that they had conquered plebe year became the practice beginning in 1947. The further refinement of replacing a plebe "dixie cup" hat placed on top beforehand by the upper classmen with a naval officer's white cover does not come along until 1962.</p>

<p>The first evidence that the shaft of the gray, granite, obelisk-shaped monument was greased to make the climb more difficult appears in the Lucky Bag yearbook of the class of 1952. Their climb took place following the graduation ceremony held on June 3, 1949. Grease was not used again until 1953, when a fairly heavy coat was applied. The gooey residue eventually led to a change in the participants' uniform for the occasion with dress whites replaced by work whites and then yielding to shorts and tee-shirts in more recent times. In 1962, the class of 1965 as plebes dealt with a heavy coat of cosmoline grease by throwing a cargo net over the top to achieve their goal of the hat exchange. In 1969 and 1970 record climbs were set in time because the monument was either lightly greased or not greased at all.</p>

<p>Although it was thought for years that the first recorded time for the Herndon Monument climb had been kept in 1962, it has been discovered that the Navy Times newspaper published in June 1960 the time for Midshipman John M. Truesdell's, NA '63, conquest at 12 minutes. The fastest times have been one minute, thirty seconds in 1969 by the class of 1972, and one minute, fifty seconds in 1973 by the class of 1976. The longest time was recorded in 1995, when the upper classmen played dirty pool and fastened the plebe "dixie cup" hat to the top with the strongest glues and tapes they could find. It took the class of 1998, four hours, five minutes, and seventeen seconds to accomplish their goal.</p>

<p>At some point in the annual tradition, and probably after greasing added to the difficulty of the challenge, it began being said that the midshipman who got the hat on top would become the first admiral in his class. None have achieved flag rank as of yet. But, in 1973, the Superintendent of the Naval Academy , who usually observes the ritual from the steps of the chapel, decided to provide a gesture towards this lore. On June 1, 1973, Vice Admiral William P. Mack presented for the first time, and it is now part of the tradition, a set of admiral's shoulder boards to then Midshipman 3/C Lawrence J. O'Donnell. Upon graduation Mr. O'Donnell selected the Marine Corps negating his chances of ever becoming an admiral.</p>

<p>From the completion of Dahlgren Hall in 1903 until 1957, graduation ceremonies were held in the armory except for a few held outdoors at the seaward end of the hall in Thompson Stadium. It was therefore a short distance to Love Lane and the Herndon Monument and the ritual of "tain't no more plebes" remained the last event of June Week. From 1957 to 1965 graduation exercises were held in the new field house, later Halsey Field House. The Herndon Monument climb continued to follow graduation. But, in 1966, when graduation was moved to the distant new Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, the Plebe Recognition Ceremony was made among the first events of June Week. It was held at 4 p.m. on the Friday afternoon preceding graduation the following Wednesday morning. Instead of the armory or field house and a snake dance, the plebes assembled in Tecumseh Court and at the roar of a cannon signal ran en masse to the Herndon Monument . In more recent years the cannon continued to fire every ten minutes to track the time it takes for the climb.</p>

<p>After 1979, June Week, no longer falling in June, became known as Commissioning Week. Beginning in 1986, the Herndon climb was moved to 2 p.m., and it was later on the Monday afternoon preceding Friday morning graduation exercises. In 2004, the monument climb was moved to 9 a.m. on Thursday preceding Commissioning Week. The reason for this dramatic change in the schedule was to free up hotel space in Annapolis for first class families during Commissioning Week itself.</p>

<p>The Plebe Recognition Ceremony, begun because plebes were denied Love Lane and originally called "tain't no mo' plebes," is a tradition which is practiced only at the U.S. Naval Academy. It has no equivalency at the other service academies. It draws thousands of spectators each year. It will no doubt continue to evolve in the years ahead as rituals do and continue to cap the arduous plebe year for as long as the Herndon Monument can bear it.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Similar to how the Navy looks at all traditions in the Fleet, the Academy is evaluating the Herndon Monument Climb to ensure the event remains a valid part of our heritage but it is conducted with professionalism, respect, and most important, safety in mind.</p>

<p>The Commandant has selected a team of midshipmen to review the Herndon ceremony and provide recommendations for a traditional and meaningful evolution emphasizing teamwork and determination.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I'm not one of those who thinks we have to keep everything the way it was in the "good old days." Times change and, with those changes, some traditions are lost. Sometimes, quite frankly, that's a good thing. </p>

<p>However, this one blows my mind. Herndon is . . . Herndon. Like chow calls, it's one of those things that has to be experienced to be understood. 25+ years later, I still remember standing in T-Court waiting for the horn that would signal we could run to Herndon. I remember the mud, the heat, the grease flying, the groans, the exhaustion of the guys on the bottom of the pile, the almost-successes, the failures, as people struggled for hours to make the climb (and it was hours -- I think we held the record for longest time to the top; thankfully, we've now been surpassed). </p>

<p>And then the glorious moment when it was all over. Somewhat like tossing your cover at graduation -- not quite as good but pretty close. It's a free-for-all. It's crazy. But it's . . . PERFECT.</p>

<p>I simply can't imagine a nice, neat, perfectly packaged ceremony where a select group of men and women (chosen by perfectly proper lots, I'm sure), would go at it without mud or grease (so no one would possilby get hurt) while 800 of their classmates stood by in perfectly proper uniform, perfectly cheering (probably nice, group cheers). That would be so wrong on so many levels. </p>

<p>If they're worried about injury, maybe USNA should stop playing football, basketball, boxing, wrestling and any other contact sports. And Sea Trials. And PEP. As for professionalism and especially respect -- that's what Herndon is all about. Respect. It's not the climb but what the climb represents -- the culmination of a year of earning respect. From your peers, the upperclass, the faculty, your family . . . everyone. </p>

<p>There have been a lot of changes in the past year -- most of which I've supported. But this one just blows my mind.</p>

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<p>


</p>

<p>I don't see anyone in the fleet climbing monuments. Such optional things, like glee club, tuba-tootin' or Herndon climbing do not train our young plebes to be combat officers, which should be the only mission of the USNA. </p>

<p>Our future Naval leaders are better served by more mandatory study time, mandatory meal formations, and keeping the helicopter moms off the yard. Such frivolous old traditions be damned, there's a war on. </p>

<p>:rolleyes: ;)</p>

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<p>Don't forget those helicopter dads too :)</p>

<p>
[quote]
Respect. It's not the climb but what the climb represents -- the culmination of a year of earning respect. From your peers, the upperclass, the faculty, your family . . . everyone.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That is exactly what my Mid said last year - respect... The Class of 2010 had earned everyones respect. Talking to a new faculty last May - first year teaching at the Academy. She really was not interested in talking to a parent and right fully so, she was there to support the Class of 2010. You could tell that she was very proud of this class and made a point of congratulating every "plebe no more" that walked by. They had truly earned respect.</p>

<p>If there is a problem with timing - move the day - but to make into some PC safe exercise makes no sense.</p>

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<p>In addition to being appalled at the notion of a "kindler, gentler" Herndon, I am also sorry to see that the Recognition Ceremony is being done away with. Yes it was nice for the families, but to me, the biggest plus was the participation of the alums from the class 50 years before the plebe class. This was part of the "Link in the Chain" program and I felt like it was so worthwhile for these "kids" to look into the eyes of and shake the hand of one who had gone before them. It made the plebes realize the long-term connection that they will have to their alma mater and their classmates. It brought more tears to my eyes than any other part of that evolution. As the mom of a Mid, it meant more to me that that gentleman shook my son's hand than my putting on his youngster boards. It's sad that this new tradition has to be scuttled.</p>

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<p>Surely the "link in the chain" idea has value for the mids, the alumni, and the Navy as a whole. Since a committee has been formed to evaluate the Herndon climb, perhaps the admin could be convinced to allow participation of alumni in the deliberations???</p>

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<p>Boxing- mandated class, grade punctuated with a concussion.
Herndon- right of passage; lots of grease, sweat and sore shoulders... but no injury. Memories: priceless.
Plebe recognition ceremony: priceless to me. Liked the link in the chain connection as well.</p>

<p>There is one change I am really looking forward to....
bet y'all can't guess what that is!!!! :rolleyes:</p>

<p>(only problem is, it can't happen soon enough!!!!)</p>

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<p>There are many other events that have alumni from the "link in the chain" present, such as committment dinner and graduation.</p>

<p>I really don't think it is a valid reason to bring back the recognition ceremony. The real sentiment is shaking the hand of a graduate from a class 50 years prior at graduation, not a plebe recognition ceremony.</p>

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<p>may be, but did appreciate the link being established from the get-go! </p>

<p>Kinda-sorta like being there when your kid runs into your arms..... and still being there the day they took their very first step! </p>

<p>But you will figure that all out when u are a parent one day.
Some things you just have to experience for yourself.</p>

<p>BTW- the west point ceremony is very moving indeed.
The "new cadets" all march on in formation onto the parade grounds.
Then the full regiment marches in in front of them.
Upon a given command, the new cadets break ranks and join the cadets in their assigned companies.
then they are all recognized as one group, and all march back into the barracks as one.</p>

<p>very, very moving.</p>

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<p>To add to all this, my classmates and I are not very upset about seal trials getting to be really tough or anything like that. However, herndon is such a sacred thing that classes are remembered by. We all feel right now as if our class will be remembered as the class that didn't get to Herndon, didn't get to do what was promised us through countless push-ups, regimental runs, flutter-kicks, chow calls, saturday morning trainings, squared corners, pro-quizzes, and much much more.
After a little over 1/2 a year in 13th company, I can safely say that the Class of 2011 has an all time drop (even further) in motivation upon hearing this news. Me and many of my classmates are seriously considering quitting with every new, unnecessary, and uncalled-for change that keeps being implemented.
On one more note, to agree with JackTraveler and to disagree with others, there is absolutely nothing they can do to stop me from getting to climb herndon. I can speak for my companymates when I say that we're getting to that monument, whether it be through a road-block or not. Give me Herndon, or give me death!</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Me and many of my classmates are seriously considering quitting with every new, unnecessary, and uncalled-for change that keeps being implemented.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>If this is how you feel now, then the military life will be very difficult. Tradition is a core of every service, but remember the big pic. The military will change alot even if you do 5 and dive. They need to change for multiple reasons, but for you this is only the beginning. After 20+ yrs, the military is not the same as when DH was commissioned, I would still redo everyday, and I am proud to be associated by marriage to the Armed Forces. Committments change (I have seen 7, 10, and now 8 for Pilots). Not everyone did a remote when he was commissioned, now if you get out without one you are lucky...glad to say we were one of the few. Promotion boards for O-4 have changed. We endured a RIF after Desert Storm. Acad grads received a different commission than ROTC when we entered. I know that tradition means alot, but in the end the military will change it is how you adapt that is the bigger question</p>

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<p>Well said, bulletandpima.</p>

<p>JAR,</p>

<p>I understand your complaint and it is valid. Herndon is tradition and it will be sad to not see as many plebes climbing/particpating (pending Dan'ts decision).</p>

<p>But, look at the big picture. I hope you came to USNA based on serving, both in military service and leading people, who will look up to you.</p>

<p>Last night, I asked a JO to explain her experiences with COs. Like most other JOs, she had good and bad COs (I'm not implying anything either). What did she do? She went with the flow. Just because her life might have been miserable for 1-2 years, she didn't quit or give up (and this is even though her committment wasn't up). As hard as it might be, I encourage you to do the same. Remember, once you graduate, these "bad" things don't necessarily go away.</p>

<p>On a personal note, my class has seen enormous change throughout our time. There has been so many, I don't know where to start. However, while many have been hard to digest, myself and over 1000 others decided not to quit because the "big picture" is almost reality. For you, it is a little longer, but realize that the changes started right at the beginning of Youngster year, so we have had 3 years of changes.</p>

<p>I highly encourage you to keep "in there" and look at your long term goals....do you want to lead sailors/Marines? Do you want to serve in the greatest military in the world? Lastly, open your mental log and record your experiences of leadership.</p>

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<p>From an Alumni that I spoke to this morning - Link in the chain means nothing if it is not started from day 1 - that being IDAY. He is a 59 grad and has enjoyed the program from day 1. As he put it: Heck Army does it with the march in at the end of Plebe summer, why should this be another program that goes by the wayside. Think about when you are 46 years out and have an opportunity to meet and speak to a group of wet behind the ears Plebes at PPW Recognition and then to get to do it again as they complete plebe year and you see the growth. A much different experience than he had at the 2/7 signing. As he said "the young and inexperienced with all their enthusiasm was very refreshing but as in his day by second year you can see the cynicism." </p>

<p>A 2 year program is much different from a full 4 year program which is apparently the direction it is taking. </p>

<p>I have invited him to join our discussion - I hope he will!</p>

20

<p>jarblue&gold wrote:</p>

<p>
[quote]
my classmates and I are not very upset about seal trials getting to be really tough or anything like that.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I was one of the fortunate parents to observe Sea Trials in 2006, though I kept a low profile, and frankly, I don't think it should be open to the public. However, it did appear to be a rigorous, exhausting, authentic training exercise. Each company was working as a team and I think they were competing against other companies. Most of them were so focused on the challenges that they seemed unaware of the spectators. It lasted nearly 14 hours and at the end most of the plebes were too exhausted and dirty to even eat at the barbeque. I guess it could be harder if they substituted live ammunition.</p>