Graduation Parade

The graduation parade was very impressive. I've only ever seen cadet parades at the boys' home corps, so this parade was much larger than I'm used to. Also, the band was very good and all of the cadets sang Heart of Oak which was very moving.

The parade started a little past 10 a.m. so it wasn't too warm out, but there were still about 15 cadets or so who either fainted or who needed to leave the parade square because they felt faint.

We were fortunate to have seats right in front of Sean's division. Can you see him? He's second from the left (not counting the DO saluting). I was shocked to see him because he was so tan. He has gotten tan every summer from swimming, but this summer when he got tan I didn't see him everyday so it was a bit shocking.

He's also in much better shape physically. His clothes are looser, but he's gained 5 pounds...must be muscle!

Here is his entire division along with his DPO (divisional petty officer) Angela Radmore from 169 Columbia.

After doing a lot of ceremonial stuff inside the parade square, each division marched around Quadra, singing Heart of Oak.