Parade Belt Buckle

A plebe response to “What’s Up?”

"Sir, Fidelity is up and Obedience is down on our bayonet belt buckles, sir!"

Commentary -

At the Naval Academy the answer to the question, "What's up?" is "Fidelity is up and obedience is down." That's how you knew which way to wear the parade belt buckle. The word "Fidelity" was stamped on the top of the buckle and "Obedience" was stamped on the bottom. It’s been a long time since anyone cared how I wear my belt buckle, the answer has stuck with me. Fidelity is up and obedience is down. Fidelity, faithfulness, genuine loyalty, true love trumps blind, stupid obedience every day.

Rev. Bob Walters - April 29, 2001