Memorial Hall (Real and Virtual)

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fivestar

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I have been to Memorial Hall on a few occasions, and have come away in awe each time at it's simple excellence as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices of so many Academy alums. I know it is accorded special status at the Academy, as it should be. I recall reading somewhere that plebes are not allowed to enter before demonstrating that they fully understand this status. Legend? True? Is there anything comparable at the other SAs? How is all this impressed upon plebes? I am really just curious and would appreciate it if any alums, mids or others would relate any impressions of or experiences with the place. By the way, perhaps many are familiar with this, but I will mention for those who aren't, but may be interested , that there is a Virtual Memorial Hall, which seeks to personalize the bios of those enshrined in MH. See links below (I have no connection to it, other than my own curiosity)

https://www.13newsnow.com/article/n...-academys-virtual-memorial-hall/291-494922859
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/USNA_Virtual_Memorial_Hall
 
I don’t remember any rules against Plebes going there. Mids can only use the side doors from the Rotunda from T Court, as the middle doors bring bad luck. Middle doors are for grads. They do use the middle doors for things like colors, but even then we got a weird feeling. You learn about Mem Hall early on at USNA through your detailers. Mine took me there and let us walk around, learned the history, read the names, etc. During classes and other times you learn of the significance of the flags and other displays. Sometimes on bad days or needing a reminder you would wander up there as a Mid. Whenever I go back I make a visit to pay my respects to my classmates and friends whose names appear there.
 
Seconding NavyHoops: Current plebes are indeed allowed in Memorial Hall. (And they are indeed still banned from using the middle doors in front of Bancroft Hall.)
 
I agree with the above. Don't know any prohibition on plebes going to Mem Hall at any time. However, during PS there isn't much "free time" and what exists prob isn't spent in Memorial Hall. I would expect that plebes learn about the significance of the room at some point during PS and treat it with reverence after that.

I suppose I would call it a place of reflection but not sadness. More an appreciation for those grads who've made the ultimate sacrifice. There are occasionally events (e.g., dinners) held there, so it's not only a memorial but a room with a purpose (though Smoke Hall is used more often). Don't know if there are similar venues at other SAs but I expect there are.
 
Thanks for your responses. Again, just curious. Through a family connection, I know of someone (KIA in Vietnam) memorialized there. From knowing well his surviving wife and then-young kids, and the difficulties they overcame, I know that the names are more than just names on a wall. I would encourage anyone to consider a donation to the Virtual Memorial Hall, link above.
 
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