NStar Articles

When flags are mentioned, the first one that comes to mind for many is the Stars ‘n Stripes, for which we have such great depth of feeling, and to which so much history is attached. The glory and history of our nation, of course, were achieved many times by the patriotic self-giving of countless Americans who served with one or another branch of our armed forces, each of which has its own flag.

When it comes to knowing your nautical knots, you might find yourself in a bind, fit to be tied. You might even be tempted to turn to the International Guild of Knot Tyers for help (yes, there is one). But fear “knot,” here is a primer on the knots you need to know.

Earlier this month, the USNA’s oldest living alumnus, Retired Rear Admiral Edgar Keats, passed away. He was 104 and an accomplished World War II veteran who served in the Pacific. He and almost 100,000 others have passed through the gates to this hallowed Yard as Midshipmen. They include such luminaries as Jimmy Carter, Major General Charles Bolden, Wendy Lawrence, John McCain, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and more. All of these men and women had their USNA experiences captured in the annual USNA yearbook, The Lucky Bag, a tradition that started more than a century ago.