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Subj: Lyrics Change to our Alma Mater, “Navy Blue
and Gold” **** A number of alumni from the Central Region (and other Regions) have inquired about the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s decision to modify the lyrics to our Alma Mater, Navy Blue and Gold, effective May 29, 2004. Posted below is a memorandum the Supe, VADM Rod Rempt ’66, distributed at the Board of Trustees meeting last Friday. It gives his rationale and I am reproducing it verbatim for your information.
Also, for your information, the Supe met with the Council of Class Presidents on April 21, 2004 advising them of his reasons for the change and asking for their support. At that meeting, he indicated that he met with a number of alumni to discuss the matter beforehand, and received approval from the CNO and SECNAV to change the lyrics. 68 of the past 73 USNA classes were present at that meeting (the class of 1932 being the most senior) and not one Class President offered an objection to him after he explained his rationale. VADM Rempt’s rationale follows:
Navy Blue & Gold
“An important aspect in the implementation of the Naval Academy’s mission is to develop combat leaders who can build unit cohesion and teamwork. In order to accomplish this, we seek to develop a professional command climate that fosters dignity and respect amongst all midshipmen, regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity. We want to be inclusive rather than exclusive in all that we do.
In combat, success is not determined by skin color, ethnic background, religious beliefs or gender. Success is based on building a team to win. We want our leaders to value diversity and form teams that take full advantage of each person’s unique contributions and recognize that everyone counts. To foster these qualities in our leaders, we must start by ensuring that our culture and its symbols accurately portray who we are.
The foundation of who we are is the oath we take to ‘Support and defend the Constitution of the United States.’ Our Constitution says that Congress passes laws and the President signs them. In October 1975, President Ford signed a law that offered new opportunities for women in the military and authorized women to be admitted to the service academies. The following summer, the first class to include women entered the Naval Academy.
Since the first graduate in the Class of 1980, 2322 women have earned their commissions at the Naval Academy. Another 670 women are currently working toward their commissions as part of the Brigade. Unfortunately, our Alma Mater, Navy Blue & Gold, unintentionally excludes these graduates and members of the Brigade who have chosen to serve their country as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. Every midshipman, whether woman or man, has earned admission into the Academy. Furthermore, those midshipmen who meet our high standards earn their commission as leaders in our Navy and Marine Corps. Our traditions and activities should not disenfranchise any of our shipmates. This includes the words of Navy Blue & God, which should serve to honor the bond of midshipmen, past, present and future.
Accordingly, as Superintendent, I am directing two small, but important changes in the first verse of Navy Blue & God to ensure it is fully inclusive of our Brigade and our Alumni. In the first line, ‘college men’ will be replaced by ‘colleges.’ In the third line, ‘Sailor men’ will be replaced by ‘Sailors brave.’ Without changing the meaning of the song, these words will make our Alma Mater inclusive of all who cherish it.
Why would I do this? Is it a response to political pressure? No. Is it being directed from higher up? No. Nor is it a result of recent headlines. This is my decision alone. It is a decision consistent with our values. It is the right thing to do.
I need the support of each and every one of you. The next time you hear or sing Navy Blue & Gold, I ask that you make a conscious effort to sing out and emphasize these two changes. We need to move beyond where we are and support all midshipmen and graduates who have earned the right to wear the Navy Blue & Gold.”
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*** Central Region: |