After a long process with a good company I am THRILLED to ANNOUNCE for the First time a new offer for the class of ’73.After a lengthy process with an Annapolis company that does business with USNA, we are finally ready to initiate the new sales launch of “USNA Class of 1973 Crests” for the members of our class.Orders are now accepted online by the firm of SIGNCRAFT of Annapolis.Log in to: http:signcraft.biz/class-of-1973-crest-orders/ OR : go to signcraft.biz for the home page and select PRODUCTS and then select the 1973 Crest button.OR : go to their facebook page for access to the order form.Okay I’ve already ordered mine and looking forward to hanging it in my office.Two versions of 18″ high are offered (1) EPOXY with painted finish = $ 300 plus $45 shipping(2) Bronze = $ 2,800 plus $75 shipping or pick up in AnnapolisI sincerely hope that you all take advantage of this 50th reunion special.Let me know if there or questions that I can answer, or call the company and let the experts answer your concerns.Best wishes for all my brothers.Sincerely,Ed Stuckey ’73Non Sibi and BEAT ARMY713-303-4777
4 MARCH 2023 – VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE HOMECOMING WEEKEND FOOTBALL GAME
Reunion Football Tickets
ATTENTION WORLD!! ATTENTION WORLD!!
Every person who is attending the tailgate in the N room must have a football ticket to enter the stadium.
Here is a .PDF version of the following announcement: Football ticket procedures
Classmates,
NAAA has provided the class with 1000 tickets for the homecoming football game. There are 292 regular reserve seats and the rest are general admission. The reserve seats are in section 1, lower level on the Navy side (See seating chart at navysports.com). The general admission seats are standing room only in the horseshoe, hill end of the stadium.
How to buy reunion block football tickets:
Go to navysports.com
Under the Tickets tab, go to Enter Ticket Promo Codes
Enter Promo Code: 1973
Or go to the following link:
Reserved Seat Deadline: 08/01/23
If you are having issues with purchasing tickets, please contact Jordan Albright at 410-293-8791 or albright@usna.edu.
General admission seats are $35 and reserve seats are $50.
If you have any problems or questions you may contact me as well.
Email. 730168@gmail.com Cell. 443-994-4924.
Sincerely,
John Ashmore
26 JAN 2023 – RIDE-2 REMEMBER CROSS-COUNTRY BIKE RIDE
(Updated 23 March 2023)
The Class of 1973 Ride-2-Remember is a cross country bicycle ride undertaken to symbolically gather deceased classmates back to Annapolis for our 50th reunion. It is not “officially” sponsored by the Class of 1973, but all Classmates are encouraged to participate.
The last portion of this event will coincide with our 50th Reunion.
This is a rider-organized and funded and is not sponsored by the Class of 1973.
THE FOLLOWING NARRATIVE PROVIDES DETAILS. THE LINKS ARE PROVIDED FOR QUICK REFERENCE.
Ride Format
This will be a thru-ride, which translates to a core team advancing as a group and riding the full 3,200 mile route.
Segment rides organized by classmates, family and friends who want to share a few hours or days along the route are welcomed. Contact Doug Leland or review Ride-2-Remember Segment Rides for details on how to best coordinate segment rides with the overall ride.
Route
We begin where Spruance, McCain, Kincaid and Halsey Roads connect with Nimitz Drive atop Navy Heights in Astoria, Oregon. Our route to Annapolis will pass through Portland, OR; Boise, ID; Jackson Hole, WY; Casper, WY; Norfolk, NE; Des Moines, IA; East Moline, IL; LaPorte, IN; Perrysville, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Cumberland, MD; and Washington D.C. A complete listing of overnight stops can be found at the Ride-2-Remember Route Itinerary.
The total mileage is 3,241 miles, which includes 92,850 feet of elevation gain. We’ll cover this route in 63 days — 53 riding days and 10 “liberty” days. The route includes 986 miles of cycleway or off-road trail suitable for touring bikes.
Ride-2-Remember Dates
The Ride-2-Remember will begin on Friday, 8/4/23 at Navy Heights in Astoria, OR and conclude in Annapolis mid-afternoon on Thursday, 10/5/23 …… … the first day of planned 50th Reunion activities.
October 5, 2023 – the Final Day of Riding
The final day of the Ride-2-Remember will begin at Arlington National Ceremony where the ’73 Ride-2-Remember Team will join with the Class of ’83 team also crossing the country on bicycle. Following a ceremony at Arlington, we will proceed to ride the last 48 miles together and conclude both cross country rides with a ceremony at the USNA Columbarium and with a “wheel dip” at Hubbard Hall Boat House.
Why We’re Riding
The primary purpose of the Ride-2-Remember is to honor our fallen classmates by symbolically gathering each to Annapolis for our 50th reunion. Each day during the 63 day crossing will be dedicated to one or more of our deceased classmates. At the links above you’ll find two documents identifying the specific day we’ll be honoring each of our deceased classmates. One is a schedule of tributes, by day, for each day of the Ride-2-Remember and the other is a roster of deceased classmates organized by company and also containing the day of individual tributes.
A Facebook portal dedicated to the Ride-2-Remember will be activated and communicated prior to our start. This will be used to acknowledge each classmate tribute, and to provide daily updates and postings from our ride. It is hoped that this Facebook page will be utilized by family, classmates, shipmates and friends to share personal tributes, photos, and memories.
Is there still opportunity to ride with the team?
There are two possible ways to participate as a rider. In each instance, you’ll want to get in touch with Doug Leland for details.
- Segment Rider – for those who want to jump in and ride for a few hours or days with the team. Contact Doug Leland or review the Ride-2- Remember Segment Rides for details on how to best coordinate segment rides with the overall ride.
- Last Day Rider – for those who want to ride the last 48 miles from Arlington to Annapolis. The Class of ’83 is anticipating over a 50 riders on the last day. Logistics for safe passage have not been ironed-out and it’s possible ’83 and ’73 may run into local constraints depending upon number of riders. If interested, however, contact Doug Leland so that we know of your interest and have a means to keep you informed of planning status.
It is hoped that all in our class, along with families and friends of fallen classmates, and other alums will participate in the Ride-2-Remember, either vicariously through the Ride-2-Remember portal, by riding with the team for a few miles, by providing support along the way, or being present at the Columbarium for the final ceremony. Our deceased classmates remain links in our chain, and this is one opportunity to honor their contributions to country, family, and the lives of those in the Class of 1973.
Non Sibi,
Doug Leland doug@DougLeland.com 207-522-7620
(Note: This is a rider organized and funded event and is not sponsored by the Class of 1973.)
SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 – REUNION UPDATE
October 5-8, 2023
This attachment contains all of the information provided below: Reunion announcement 0901922
Classmates,
Below is the current schedule for the 50th Reunion. Although not finalized yet, pricing for the major events is estimated as follows:
Registration: $30 per person
This includes the costs for registration, transportation, name tags, and other costs that are not specifically assigned to an event.
Shipwreck: $65 per person (Thursday Oct. 5, 1830-2030)
The traditional Shipwreck menu includes the popular pasta bar and carving stations. A cash bar (pay your own way) will be provided.
Class Meeting, Memorial Service, Lunch (Friday Oct. 6, 0900-1300)
Lunch Cost: $10 per person
Company Parties: Each company is on its own to set up company parties scheduled for Friday evening.
Football game (homecoming) and tailgate: $100 per person, children under 12 free) (Saturday Oct 7, time TBD based on game schedule)
Tailgate Includes a “Taste of the Chesapeake” theme including crab dip, grilled chicken, pit beef, oysters, shrimp, crab soup and all the fixin’s. Plus the famous Nutty Buddies for dessert. Beer, wine and soda will be provided. A cash bar will be provided for mixed drinks.
Note: As in past reunions, access to the N* room at the stadium for the tailgate will require a ticket to the football game for entry. Standing room only tickets will work, but you will not have a seat for the game. The game will be available on TVs in the N* room.
Sunday Brunch in King Hall (Mess Hall): $6.15 per person (Sunday Oct. 8 0800-1000)
Dinner Dance: $150 per person (Sunday Oct. 8, time TBD, Dahlgren Hall)
The Dinner Dance is still being planned, therefore this price is what we anticipate, but is subject to change as we get closer. The dinner will include various food stations and a cash bar. A DJ will provide music for your listening and dancing pleasure. We will attempt to provide seating by company.
We have once again selected The Westin Hotel as our hotel base. The rate per night is $329. I know this is higher than any of us would like, but it is competitive in the Annapolis market. Reservations can be made beginning October 5, 2022. The committee will publish information on making reservations as soon as The Westin provides them to us. Please go not call The Westin until we publish the procedures to get the class rate. We will also set up class rates for other hotels in the area and will publish those rates when available.
The Reunion Committee is looking forward to seeing you at our 50th!
Here is the full Schedule of Events for the 50th Reunion.
Thursday 5 October
TBD Reunion Check in at Hotel (The Westin Annapolis)
TBD $ Golf
0730-1600 Midshipmen Store Hours
0900-1700 Visitor Center Hours
0900-1700 Museum Hours
1200-1215 Noon Meal Formation
1830-2030 $ Shipwreck Party (N* Room at the stadium)
Friday 6 October
0900-1700 Reunion Check in at Hotel
0730-1600 Midshipmen Store Hours
0900-1700 Visitor Center Hours
0900-1700 Museum Hours
0900-1000 Class Meeting (US Naval Institute Building, Hospital Point)
1100-1200 Memorial Service (US Naval Institute Building, Hospital Point)
1200-1300 $ No Host Lunch at (US Naval Institute Building, Hospital Point)
1200-1215 Noon Meal Formation
1350-1500 Superintendent Briefing Mahan Hall
1600-1715 Dress Parade on Worden Field
1915-2030 Jewish Service in Levy Center
TBD Company Parties
Saturday 7 October
0730-1600 Midshipmen Store Hours
0900-1700 Visitor Center Hours
0900-1700 Museum Hours
1000-1700 Reunion Check in at Westin Hotel
TBD $ Football Game and Tailgate (N* Room at Stadium)
Sunday 8 October
0900-1700 USNA Visitor Center Hours
0900-1000 Catholic Service (Main Chapel)
0800-1000 $ Brunch in King Hall
1000-1600 Midshipmen Store Hours
1100-1700 Museum Hours
1100-1215 Protestant Service (Main Chapel)
TBD $ Dinner Dance in Dahlgren Hall
$ above indicates there is a cost associated with this event. Everyone must register for the reunion and pay the $30 registration fee. You must also register and pay for the below listed events in advance so that we can verify attendance to the caterers. Registration will be handled through the Alumni Association. You will be notified when registration is open. Costs for each event are summarized below:
Registration: $30
Golf: TBD
Shipwreck Party: $65
Lunch after class meeting/memorial service: $10
Tailgate: $100
Brunch in King Hall: $6.15
Dinner Dance: $150
Registration and Check-In Location: The Westin
Transportation: Annapolis Bus Company
Contact Info:
Doug Rice, Chairman
Cell: 410-340-2520
MAY 7, 2021 – ANNOUNCING THE 50TH REUNION COLOR COMPANY COMPETITION
In the Spring of 2021, the 50th Reunion Campaign Committee will launch The 50th Reunion Color Company Competition to help boost the participation from all of our 36 Companies. No 50th reunion class has gone above 60% participation, but the Class of 1973 is NOT just any class. Our goal is to have 73% participation. The Company with the highest percentage of participants in our 50th Reunion Campaign will be declared The Class of 1973 50th Reunion Color Company. For more information, either go to the Class of ’73 Campaign page of this website: http://1973.usnaclasses.net/class-of-1973-campaign/
or, consult your Company Representative: 1973Company Representatives | (usnaclasses.net)
SPECIAL EVENT – RECOGNITION BIKE RIDE – UPDATED 8 JAN 2022
The Class of 1973 50th Reunion Recognition Ride
Background
The Class of 1973 Recognition Ride is a cross country bike ride organized to symbolically gather deceased classmates back to Annapolis for our 50th reunion in 2023.
Ride Format
The ride will be a thru-ride. This format translates to a core team advancing as a group and riding the full 3,200 mile route. Accommodations will vary between camping and motels.
Segment rides organized by classmates, family and friends who want to share a few hours or days along the route are welcomed. Contact me if you’d like more information on how segment rides can coordinate with the overall ride.
Route
The current route is from Astoria, OR to Annapolis, MD. A few of the connecting communities include Portland, OR; Boise, ID; Jackson Hole, WY; Casper, WY; Norfolk, NE; Des Moines, IA; Davenport, IA; South Bend, IN; Toledo, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Cumberland, MD; and Washington D.C. (There may be some adjustments to the route between Davenport, IA and Pittsburgh, PA once more is learned about specific route options.)
The total mileage is 3,198 miles, which includes 91,504 feet of elevation gain. The trip will take 68 days — 59 riding days, 4 rest days, and 5 contingency days. The route includes 986 miles of cycleway or off-road trail suitable for touring bikes. Turn by turn, written directions and voice supported navigational software will be available for riders and those providing support.
Recognition Ride Dates
The ride will begin on 7/29/23 at Navy Heights in Astoria, OR and conclude in Annapolis on Wednesday, 10/4/23 … just ahead of planned 50th Reunion activities.
A Little More About the Ride
The primary purpose of this bike ride is to honor our fallen classmates by symbolically gathering each to Annapolis for our 50th reunion. Each riding day during the 68 day crossing will be dedicated to one or two of our deceased classmates. A social media portal will post anticipated dates dedicated to individual classmates as well as a means for classmates, family, and friends to share personal tributes, photos, and memories.
It is hoped that all in our class, along with families and friends of fallen classmates, and other alums will participate in the Recognition Ride, either vicariously through the Recognition Ride portal, by riding with the team for a few miles or by providing support along the way. Our deceased classmates remain links in our chain, and this is one opportunity to honor their contributions to country, family, and the lives and legacies of those in the Class of 1973.
There is still room on the Thru-Ride team for any member of ’73 who would like to join us. Contact me if you’d like more information.
Non Sibi,
Doug
Doug Leland
doug@DougLeland.com
207-522-7620
