4th of July

The annual Annapolis 4th of July fireworks celebration was a huge success! The fireworks barge was off the USNA grounds, in the Bay, surrounded by both sail and motor boats, a very festive sight. One of the best viewing spots is the eastern side of the USNA grounds. As the crowds grew, we noticed that the plebes were nowhere in sight. This year, to protect them from the crowds, the plebes watched the fireworks from Rip Miller Turf field behind a locked gate, visitor could not get near them, except when they were entering the field. Despite the high heat and humidity, they were in their full white works uniforms, sitting cross legged in rows by company and platoon. In one hand they had Reef Points held at eye level, in the other, ice cream bars and popsicles. No speaking allowed unless they were instructed to say "oohhhh" and "aaahhhh" in unison. The fireworks were spectacular and the mids were treated to a live USNA band performing on their side of the locked fences. !

These fireworks were like the energizer bunny, they just kept going and going. After the grand finale and 5 minutes with no fireworks, people started heading away from the field. For the next 10-15 minutes, every minute or so there would be one more explosion of left over fireworks display. It took us one hour to drive from the mid store parking lot to gate 8, traffic on the Yard was a nightmare, but overall it was a great night and a break from drilling and rates for the plebes.