The Washington Times

Plebes climb Herndon Monument

Naval Academy plebes place a upperclassman's hat atop the lard-covered 21-foot Herndon Monument in two hours and ten minutes.

First year Naval Academy plebes finish the traditional Herndon Monument climb in two hours and ten minutes, Annapolis, Md., Tuesday, May 22, 2012. The tradition, dating back to 1940, is the culmination of the first year in the Naval Academy where the plebe class has to help each other climb the obelisk covered in lard, remove the "dixie cup" hat at the top and replace it with an upperclassman's hat. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

First year Naval Academy plebes finish the traditional Herndon Monument climb in two hours and ten minutes, Annapolis, Md., Tuesday, May 22, 2012. The tradition, dating back to 1940, is the culmination of the first year in the Naval Academy where the plebe class has to help each other climb the obelisk covered in lard, remove the "dixie cup" hat at the top and replace it with an upperclassman's hat. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

More Photo Galleries

Happening Now