The theme for the mural was selected to demonstrate our pride in the contributions made by Naval Academy graduates to the primary strategic aim of the United States during the major portion of our professional lives. Members of our class served in all the armed services and in industries supporting the services; and several classmates gave their lives in combat and in other circumstances related to the Cold War.
The mural is located immediately inside the Isherwood Entrance to Alumni Hall. Here is what visitors see as they come up the stairs and first view the exhibit.
As we near the top of the stairs the center of the mural, the world map, dominates our view .
The large central panel world map is painted in strong colors to capture the viewer's attention, and makes it clear that during the Cold War, the leadership of the United States was pitted against a very large and powerful Soviet Union which had expanded into Europe. In the end, the adversary was shown to have many serious weaknesses, as is suggested by the riveted and rusted steel texture. In numerous panels set within the world map, significant events are called to mind for the viewer.
Take a closer look at the
events in
this part of the world map.
Several of these events included combat actions. Many of those portrayed were related to important technical achievements.
The Class of 1955 Crest is engraved in glass overlaying a portion of
this central panel to indicate the pride felt by
members
of the class in being able to present the mural, and to suggest that all
of the events included contributions by Naval Academy graduates performing
roles ranging from the military leadership, to leading edge scientific
activities; and while serving in office grades from the most junior to
the most senior. These panels should be viewed with the understanding that
"leadership", as we conceive it, includes strong moral, ethical and spiritual
components.
The
world map is flanked by two panels, also on the main wall, and separated
from it by overlaid glass panels in which appear the seals of the services,
the Department of Defense and the Naval Academy.
Winning the Cold War required the contributions of all the service departments operating within the Department of Defense.
Had it not been for the leadership training received and the high standards of performance graduates came to expect of themselves at this Academy, the contributions the graduates made to winning the Cold War would certainly have been of significantly less value.
Visit the panels that flank the world map on the left and the right
At the ends of the main wall on each end are glass overlays which also portray many of the ship, submarine and aircraft systems in which Naval Academy graduates served during the Cold War.
On the angled walls on both sides of the main wall the mural continues. This part of the mural suggests some of the strengths which all graduates draw from the Naval Academy and which serve them well all their professional lives, whether in the armed services or in business and other nonmilitary endeavors.
Our tour of the mural will continue with the angled wall on the left and start with the midshipman pictured on the left
A midshipman grows during four years at the Naval Academy.
Athletics and academics are two very important parts of a midshipman's growth.
These pictures are from the private collection of Steve Kaiser, a member
of the Class of 1955 [First Company].
Steve's email address is
Venture233@cox.net
His home address is
5401 Grande Lagoon Boulevard
Pensacola, Florida 32507-9004
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