Updated: May 14, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Naval Academy freshmen complete Herndon Monument climb (12 images)
By Wade Sheridan
Naval Academy freshmen work together to complete the annual Herndon Monument climb at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Wednesday. The freshmen climb the 21-foot, lard-greased monument to knock off a "dixie cup" hat and replace it with an upperclassman's hat.
U.S. Naval Academy freshmen participate in the the annual Herndon Monument climb at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on May 14, 2025. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI
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Naval Academy freshman help others make the climb. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI
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As part of the tradition, the freshmen attempt to scale a 21-foot, lard-greased monument to knock off a "dixie cup" hat and replace it with an upperclassman's hat. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI
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