Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Non Sibi Sed Patriae
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2018
"Not for self, but for country" is the motto of the USNA Class of 1966—it exemplifies the tie that eternally binds together our Class, a graduate's branch of service, the Naval Service as a whole.
As a Class, we were forged in the crucible of the Naval Academy. After honoring our warfighting skills, we were ordered to myriad duty stations around the globe—with a majority to the Vietnam War. We were the "nuggets" flying attack and fighter aircraft over hostile territory, challenging missile batteries on a daily basis. We were the junior officers on warships—conducting gunfire support at the DMZ, rescuing downed pilots and providing the leadership core of the Vietnam Riverine and Coastal Patrol Force. Aboard attack submarines and maritime patrol aircraft, we silently stalked Soviet ships and submarines, and we served countless hours on ballistic missile submarines as a critical arm of the strategic nuclear triad. As Marines and SEALs, we took the fight to the enemy across perilous foreign jungles, mountains and deserts.
Since graduation in 1966, our Classmates were key participants in the last 23 years of the Cold War. We led Sailors and Marines from the peak of conflict in Vietnam through the first Gulf War, and in every contingency from 1966 into the 21st Century. Whether one stayed the course or left the service, the bonds formed as a Class will never be broken. The term "Classmate" has meaning and obligation beyond words.
We dedicate these Memorial Gardens to the memory of our deceased Classmates who, through their fidelity, courage, honor and selfless service, so willingly made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedoms we as Americans hold sacred. They will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Erected by U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1966.
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm • War, Cold • War, Vietnam. A significant historical year for this entry is 1966.
Location. 38° 59.028′ N, 76° 30.369′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. Memorial can be reached from Taylor Avenue (Maryland Route 435) north of Melrose Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Class of 1956 Memorial Plaza (here, next to this marker); Smedberg Gate (a few steps from this marker); This thirty-two pounder iron cannon barrel (a few steps from this marker); Evoking Our Naval Heritage Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Jack Stephens Field
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 29, 2018
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 680 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 29, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.