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

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Continuing The Tradition Think back to your high school days. What came to mind when you thought of college? Freedom, no parents, late nights, sleep late, sweats and jeans to classes. Do those thoughts make you laugh? They do if you are a Kings Point- er. Freedom for KP? America stands for freedom, so what’s the question? No parents? Well, KP has something better, a TO. Late nights? Late nights with Bow- ditch or Mohut. Sleep late? What’s that you say? Very rare or 16 demerits. Sweats and jeans to classes? If Dr. Bob has had a good day, sweats are permissible but boiler suits are the closest thing to jeans.

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mained an important part of the daily operation of ships and continue to be a piece of the legend in the history of shipping. The legends of the sea have been passed down by the mariners through the years ending with the cadets. Tall tales and sea going stories such as the ship’s bells actually have much signifi- cance. Bells are used as memorials especially on the grounds of Kings Point. The tradition and history of Kings Point can be seen in these bells located in various places around the Academy. The first and the most recognized is the War Memorial. Seated on the sloping lawn behind Wiley Hall is the large bell commem- orating the 210 cadets and graduates who gave their lives during World War II. Each of their names is inscribed on the west side of the monument and upon reaching and leaving the War Me- morial, in gratitude and recognition of their sacrifice, a salute is rendered. Another bell is found on the lawn section of the Oval, directly outside of the front door of Wiley Hall. This bell is known as just that, “The Bell.” This one in particular plays many roles in the daily life of a midshipman’s four years at the Acade- my. Each morning at Colors, the Bell is rang eight times before the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. It is also frequently used during the last couple weeks of April. Rings will be heard as each senior, upon receiving word that he or she has passed their respective license exams to become 3rd mates or 3rd A E, proudly rings the bell. During football games, the bell is also used to ring in each point that is scored by our “men of the grey and blue” while the plebes do push-ups to match the score. Other bells can be seen in such places as the American Mer- chant Marine Museum and Melville Hall to honor our fellow mariners. They are a respected symbol of Kings Point’s colorful past and active present. Oh! And let us not forget the Pub. ”N

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 A normal Kings Point day starts at 0710 (0610 for plebes), “Reveille, repeat, Reveille.” Put on your uniform, attempt to stash your gear adrift, then fall out for colors. For morn- ing classes you can stay awake (with your morning Big Gulp of KP coffee). Afternoon classes are tough, especially Z-burger days. Afternoon rack? Definitely! Dinner muster if you wake up) and then study time. Ten weeks a quarter are spent living for the weekends.