On the waterfront

We headed for Mystic Seaport early this monring, to try to beat the heat and the crowds at the Classic Boat Rendezvous.  Though I'm a diehard "raggie" (sailor),  my favorite craft were power-driven:

 

A-Way with its wood-fired engine

and Aphrodite with its sleak lines and shinning woodwork.




But, surprise! We came across several companies of Coast Guard Academy Swabs (the class of 2015 who had entered the academy a month ago).  After many inspections of their uniform -- were their shirts properly folded where they were tucked in at the back, and their caps centered above their nose? -- they marched to the parade ground by the Morgen.  The Band played the National Anthem, the Accademy Superintendant, Rear Admiral Sanda Stosz,  spoke, and the President of the Mystic Seaport, Stephen C. White presented the class flag.  Apparently this ceremony has happened every year since 1965, and we've never heard of it, despite many emails and mailings from the Seaport.

 

A fitting reminder of safety in the coastal regions.