The graduation ceremony was very nice. It was small and was not very long. A few people made some speeches, and a crusty old sub vet read the Tolling of the Boats. (When used in this context, crusty is more of a complement than insult, it refrences another term, "salty"). This is a ceremony where the names of all submarines lost prior to WWII, during WWII, and after WWII are read and a bell is struck twice for each one. It was very emotional to hear all the names of the submarines lost at sea, and to think each one had a crew of at least forty two fine young men. We then got a little certicate saying we completed the course and now are submariners. My class was the largest to graduate to date, I believe there were 91 of us. There were very few people there besides us and the higher-ups present; just the families within driving distance.
I am happy with my new room. The quarters aren't as centrally located as my last one, but they're closer to the classrooms. My new roommate is cool, he seems pretty intelligent and is just about as neat as I am (read: enough to pass a random room inspection).
I saw a turkey buzzard today. I was little surprised; I didn't think they were out here, but I can't see a reason why they shouldn't be. Maybe because there are no deserts with dead oxen.
I also saw a sundog today. It was very pretty, but I'll probably have to bust out my raincoat soon. That's okay, I like the rain.
I have my first parade with the Silver Dolphins tomorrow! It's in New Jersey. Update to follow. Also, watch for me on TV in the NY parade on tuesday.
-The Albatross
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The first time I had ever seen a sundog was in Arizona and I thought I was hallucinating.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on graduating, cousin!