parentalunit2
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2010
- Messages
- 672
I just love the whole ring tradition at the academies. USMA lays claim to the genesis of the class ring, beginning with the class of 1835. There was also a unique tradition that the first graduate of a class to be borne a son received a silver USMA napkin ring as a gift from the class. Naval Academy rings are dipped in the waters of the seven seas upon presentation at the ring dance, which is held in the spring, typically complete with fireworks over the Severn. USMA cadets receive their rings at a solemn ceremony at Trophy Point during the first weekend of the academic year. USMA has a ring meltdown program where donated class rings are melted down and the gold is used to cast the new rings, a really neat way of conveying the continuation of the Long Gray Line. The Ring Recovery program also attempts to reunite rings found on eBay with the families to which they rightly belong, though the free market often prevails. Miniature versions of class rings used to be given to fiancées as engagement rings. Miniatures may still be given to mothers as a ‘mother’s ring’, or sometimes a ‘class pin’ as well. Rings from each class are on display in a case at the library at USMA, and at Alumni House at USNA. For those interested, lots of interesting ring knowledge can be found here:
http://www.aogusma.org/Class/handbook/rings.htm
Now, as for the hat toss at graduation, if you had asked me a few years ago where that fine tradition originated, I would have said without hesitation, “At West Point, of course!” And I would have been dead wrong. The hat toss began at USNA, when midshipmen had no more use for their caps, as they were switching over to officer covers after graduation. If anyone can chime in on ring traditions at USAFA, I would love to learn more!
http://www.aogusma.org/Class/handbook/rings.htm
Now, as for the hat toss at graduation, if you had asked me a few years ago where that fine tradition originated, I would have said without hesitation, “At West Point, of course!” And I would have been dead wrong. The hat toss began at USNA, when midshipmen had no more use for their caps, as they were switching over to officer covers after graduation. If anyone can chime in on ring traditions at USAFA, I would love to learn more!