United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

Page 8 text:

'{jCCClUSC iflC wCmQ ly of the past is dimmed by time and passing events, we offer this book that you may call to mind the days that were spent at Kings Point. Realizing that we could not cover all the incidents as each individual remembered them, we have tried to assemble in this issue of Midships a composite of Academy life from plebe days to graduation. We trust that when you read it, whether now in 1953 or in years to come, you will look within these pages and remember not only the outstanding events but also the day .«s !»W V j M V. m c. V I .■ M m

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“The rocky ledge runs far into the sea, And on its outer point, some miles away, The Lighthouse lifts its massive masonry, A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day. “And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright, Through the deep purple of the twilight air. Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light With strange, unearthly splendor in the glare! “Not one alone; from each projecting cape And perilous reef along the oceans verge, Starts into life a dim, gigantic shape. Holding its lantern o’er the restless surge. “Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same Year after year, through all the silent night Burns on forevermore that quenchless flame, Shines on that inextinguishable light! “The startled waves leap over it; the storm Smites it with all the scourges of the rain, And steadily against its solid form Press the great shoulders of the hurricane. “The sea-bird wheeling round it, with the din Of wings and winds and solitary cries, Blinded and maddened by the light within. Dashes himself against the glare, and dies. “ ‘Sail on!’ it says, 'sail on, ye stately ships! And with your floating bridge the ocean span; Be mine to guard this light from all eclipse, Be yours to bring man nearer unto man!’ ” —HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

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by day occurrences that, even though not as colorful, provided the humor, the anxiety and the sadness that made our four years of study pass so quickly. The passage has not always been smooth for Midships, for there were many problems in the photography, editing, and publishing of this book. Somehow we managed to survive the storms and sincerely hope that this log of the graduating class will meet with your approval. The editors and staff of Midships join in wishing to each and every member of the graduating class the best of luck in his future endeavors, and, of course, smooth sailing. U. S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY f(inqs (point, pjont