Honoring Service, Sacrifice, And New Beginnings

Courage Runs Deep

On the seashore at the US Naval Academy, there is a tribute to the 374 officers, 3,331 men, and 52 submarines who are “Still on Patrol” from WWII.

This blog went into overtime, that is why I missed a week. The seashore tribute was the first thing that I saw as I walked around the “Yard” to think about what I was going to write. It kept everything in perspective. This graduation is different. Although I started drafting this blog 12 days ago, it felt like I started writing this over six years ago. That is when our son Tyler said he wanted to join the armed forces.

My wife and I took that news with the combination of fear and awe that our son was willing to sacrifice his time to serve this country.

On May 23rd, 2025, Tyler completed a major milestone as he took an oath to serve his country with nearly 1,000 other graduates, and abide by the US Constitution, as an officer for the US Navy.

Our family arrived in Annapolis for Commissioning Week. The activities exceeded all expectations and it was a joy to be present with family, friends, and Tyler’s shipmates.

A few highlights included:

• Baccalaureate Service at the Naval Chapel
• Superintendent’s Reception for the Class of 2025 at the Farragut House
• Hosting a 200-person celebration with 3 other shipmates
• Observing the 8th & I BCD Performance at Worden Field
• Watching the Blue Angels from Hospital Point
• Attending more parties
• Participating in the Graduation Ball in Black Tie at Dahlgren Hall
• Hosting another 50-person celebration
• Watching the Color Parade at Worden Field
• The Class of 2025 Graduation at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

During the ceremony, there were many speeches about the future for these officers, including the Vice President of the United States, who made it a point to shake the hand of every graduate. In his speech, the Vice President also reminded the graduates that on a day that is a milestone accomplishment for them, they should also remember it's an accomplishment for others as well, including parents, guardians, mentors and others who worked to get them where they are.  

There are so many traditions intermingled with the events. For example, after the actual graduation ceremony, my father-in-law, who was an officer in the US Navy, and myself, had the honor to change his shoulder boards. We saw his first salute as an officer. Tyler’s sword was passed down by his grandfather.

It was truly a special week. 

This graduation is different from traditional universities, because each person not only has to 

survive the academic rigor, but also the physical and mental challenge, to graduate from the academy. 

Now, they have been selected to serve in a leadership capacity, a minimum 5-year commitment, in either the US Navy or Marines.

Tyler's next step is Navy pilot training in November.

We are very grateful for Tyler's willingness to serve and humbled by his accomplishments.

Memorial Day 

On our way back to the airport on Sunday, we walked through the Washington Mall, and admired the MLK Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. During Memorial Day weekend, we also saw the WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam Memorials. My father-in-law found his next door neighbor's name on the Vietnam memorial. We read stories about some of these soldiers who had fallen. I was grateful to have sunglasses to cover the tears welling up in my eyes. These were real people with parents, families, spouses, children and friends.

It was all very humbling. 

We mourn with those who have been lost, loved ones protecting our country.

As we celebrate this exciting accomplishment, we also pray for Tyler and the 2025 newly commissioned class of officers for safety and courage to serve and to protect this nation and their shipmates. His close friends have been assigned as Navy Pilots, Surface Warfare, Submarine Warfare, Special Forces, Marine Corps Ground, or Marine Corps Air. We recognize this is just the beginning.