National Security Commission visits Naval Academy

As thousands of Legion family members traverse from all corners of the continent to Baltimore for The American Legion’s 97th annual National Convention, 140 members of the Legion’s National Security Commission trekked across the revered grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

The tour, one of the annual trips taken by the commission before every convention, is a tradition and highlight for the commission members and their families, said Joe Grassi, director of the Legion’s National Security Division.

Residing in close proximity to Baltimore and the nation’s capitol, the Naval Academy stood out among the other prospective military installations and attractions in the area. “It is the preeminent military installation in Maryland,” Grassi said. “Because it showcases the future of America’s Navy, the Legionnaires requested the opportunity to visit the academy.”

The academy, one of the country’s premier institutions of higher learning, is home to more than 4,000 midshipmen who have embarked on the path to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Led across the campus by ensigns who recently graduated, the tour group visited notable landmarks including the crypt of John Paul Jones, Memorial Hall located in Bancroft Hall (the academy’s dormitory) and the Naval Academy Chapel.

While they toured the campus, an acclaimed part of Maryland heritage and tradition, the Legionnaires witnessed the cadets shuffling to class, engaging each other and lining up in formation.

As a special treat, the group watched while the midshipmen formed up, called out orders and reported their roll call. In grand style, they marched out of the courtyard where they were initially gathered to the sound of a corps of drummers and other musicians.

“They were in fine form – very squared away – exactly how we expected them to be,” Grassi said.

No stranger to the annual pre-convention trips, Past Department of Illinois National Executive Committeeman Kenneth Trumbull said he was impressed with the pride and patriotism he observed. Trumbull said his only regret was not being able to visit the campus sooner.

Constantly crafting and working resolutions focusing on naval power and sea defense, it was important to the Legionnaires to get up close and personal and observe how navy strategy and training is evolving firsthand, Grassi said. “You could tell that they are going to make great leaders,” he said. “They made us proud. We were in awe of their precision and pride.”

Although the National Security Division hosts a trip each year, Chairman Michael Schlee said this trip was just as memorable as the others taken throughout the years. “The trip gave us the opportunity to as asses the readiness of our forces firsthand,” he said.

Schlee mentioned how inspiring and overwhelming the visit was. He hopes that the trip to the Naval Academy will hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the veterans in attendance, especially those who served in the Navy and Marine Corps.