Day 209 - May 19, 2013: Touring Annapolis, MD

Today we went to the service at the United States Naval Academy Chapel. We were surprised to discover that this was Baccalaureate Sunday, honoring the graduating Class of 2013, and providing an opportunity for the midshipmen to dedicate their commissions to God.

The minister gave a stirring message on "Courage Matters." His theme was that our society has diluted the notion of courage, applying it too commonly to people in everyday activities. He emphasized to the midshipmen that real courage is standing up for the survival of one's religious beliefs and/or the country's existence in the face of injury or death. He noted that the midshipmen are surrounded here in the Academy with the history of many Navy personnel who have exhibited this real courage, and that they may be asked to do the same.

This service was a very emotional and stirring event. Besides the beauty of this immense chapel, the incredible pipe organ and choir, the hundreds of midshipmen in full dress whites with their families proudly filling the pews, and the power of the pastor's message, there was a tangible but unspoken air of honor and respect for the Navy and these graduates. We understood in the strongest way the importance of the Navy traditions we saw being repeated here, and we left walking slowly and quietly sharing what we had just experienced.

Immense chapel seating

Stunning Tiffany stain glass window

It was midday, and we went over to Chick and Ruth's Delly (yes, a strange spelling), which is a famous eatery here since 1965. The crab cakes, mine on Eggs Benedict and Anne's as an entree, were just plain delicious. After eating every bite of the very large portions, we walked the historic areas enjoying the quaint narrow side streets, the historic homes, churches and buildings, and the sunshine. We finished the afternoon with a long dinghy ride up the Spa Creek to see the many boats and waterside homes.

Chick & Ruth's Delly

Main St., Annapolis, MD

Individual historical row houses

Riverfront homes