MY SON WENT TO ANNAPOLIS

My son was born on a September eve of '78
And clearly I remember the events of that date!
At that time I had not the faintest clue
As to what he'd be, or what he'd do.

But as he learned and in stature grew
It seemed there was little he couldn't do.
With his mother and others his way to guide
He became a boy to swell my heart with pride.

In all things he did he was not first
But found that for quitting he had no thirst.
From school and sports, to church and scouts
He took and gave the best, I have no doubts.

Like all young men he had much to try
But never gave a cause for his Mother to cry.
Patient and humble, strong of faith and mind;
Where was there a place for a man of this kind?

Was it to be a fabled ivy covered school
Where many hours are spent acting the fool?
No, not he! For reasons he had not told
He was determined to wear Navy blue and gold!

To attain that on which he had set his sights
He had to win, within and without, a great many fights.
To become a better man for self, country, and God
He would go where the best of the best have always trod.

And so on a memorable summer day
To Annapolis, Maryland he made his way.
Oft' throughout that long Plebe Summer
He thought, "What price to march to a different drummer?"

But conquering the rates, the heat, the lack of sleep
He found more courage and strength within him deep.
None of the schools to which he could have gone away
Would he have hated, or deeply loved, like the U.S.N.A.

In the years ahead, when he has long left the Yard
And victors o'er times and decisions hard
He will look back at the days of "Mother 'B''"
And say, "Navy helped me make the best of me."

In spite of his honor and strength, courage and humility
He may never to the Navy an Admiral be.
But well he has served himself, country and family
And he'll always have "Flag Rank" with me.