Since 1907 the freshman class of Midshipmen (called Plebes) are supposed to work together at the end of the school year to climb a greased monument and replace a plebe "dixie-cup hat" (similar to an enlisted hat) on top with an upperclassman hat (similar to an officer's cover). Once the task is complete, they are "plebes no more" and are officially recognized as Midshipmen.
Herndon Monument was greased with over 200 lbs of lard. 
It took them a little over an hour and a half to scale the monument. As you will see in the video, they were able to place the upperclassman hat on top, but failed to take off the plebe hat. The crowd made sure that the plebes knew they weren't done yet.
It is a testerone-packed event. The guy getting elbowed in the face is Greg Pavone, from NH. He is an LDS plebe...his brother went to Southern Virginia.
Christian and Aimee had a great time, tho I think they had more fun running around picking up the hats that the plebes were anxious to throw at the monument, to never wear again.
When asked what he was going to do with all of those hats, here is what Christian had to say:
Soo, interested cousins (or aunts and uncles) please drop us a line, and we'll send you some official U.S. Naval Academy plebe "dixie cups."
4 comments:
There are over twenty hats, some with names in them and some blank. And I don't think we can sell them on ebay...
Chris is so sweet to think of his cousins. I really love that kid...
Looks like a fun day!
Wow. Lard, huh? I could have donated some of mine for the plebes cause!
Aimee and Chris look like they are having fun. They are such cute kids! Thanks for sharing!
ahhh! how sweet of christian to think of his cousins!!! what cute kids!
Post a Comment