There have been many versions of Anchors Aweigh since it was first written in1906--composed by Charles A. Zimmerman with lyrics by Alfred Hart Miles as a fight song against Army. The lyrics (version) most likely used when John was active include three verses and two bridges--the second verse is the one most commonly sung and is as follows:
Stand Navy out to sea
Fight our battle cry:
We'll never change our course
So vicious foes steer shy-y-y-y
Roll out the T. N. T.
Anchors Aweigh
Sail on to victory
And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!
Bridge
Yo ho there shipmate
Take the fighting to the far off seas
Yo ho there messmate
Hear the wailing of the wild banshees
All hands, fire brands
Let's Blast them as we go. So
Verse 2
Anchors Aweigh my boys
Anchors Aweigh
Farewell to foreign shores (or "Farewell to college joys")
We sail at break of day
Through our last night ashore
Drink to the foam
Until we meet once more
Here's wishing you a happy voyage home!
Bridge
Heave a ho there sailor
Everybody drink up while you may
Heave a ho there sailor
For your gonna sail at break of day
Drink away, Drink away,
For you sail at break of day, Hey!
Verse 3
Blue of the Mighty Deep
Gold of God’s Sun
Let these our colors be
Till all time be done
By Severn Shore we learn
Navy’s stern call
Faith, Courage, Service True
With Honor Over, Honor Over All.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Five years ago, John joined an international Lodge. He was immediately selected for an office. Last month he was elected presiding officer. It is the custom here in Florida to invite friends and relatives to the installation of officers. It is also the custom to have a meal for these folks.
The meal can be anything. One time it could be a Spanish flare; another, meatballs and noodles; another, a Greek theme. It is totally the preference of the new presiding officer (and usually his lady). Lynne's mentor was a woman who helped her man put his installation together two years ago. She had told Lynne to plan for 150 people. After some evaluation, we decided that number was a bit high. That gentleman had been involved for mannnnnnnnnny years and knew lotttttttttts of people. Anyway, the fellowship hall had a legal capacity of slightly over one hundred (117, I think).
The main goal for Steve and me to go South to welcome the New Year was to help Lynne and John. They wanted baked ziti, meatballs, salad, garlic bread and rolls. Something somewhat easy to make for a large group, and something most people seem to enjoy. I had been buying ziti at the grocery whenever they sold it for buy one, get one free. When I arrived, I had fifteen pounds of ziti to cook. Lynne did not think that would be enough, so she bought two more boxes.
After Steve and I came back from our Non-Beach Beach Picnic, cooked the ziti on Friday, January 1. Six long pans disposable pans (wanted easy clean up). The old blue table coverings were exchanged for new ones. Tables were set. Butter, salt, pepper, individual creamers, sugar and its substitute, baskets for rolls. (Check, check, check). Flatware tied into napkins with blue ribbon (the color of the Lodge). One of John's new pens and his business card at each place setting. Programs printed. Dessert table set up (minus the cake which was in the refrigerator).
Saturday morning, one of Lynne's friends came and made flower arrangements. Her husband sells vegetables and gave Lynne much of the salad ingredients. The flower arrangements were yellow and peach mini-carnations with baby's breath and peach roses (and some other small flowers) in small round bowl/vases.
I went back to Lynne and John's and had a short nap. Went back later to make individual salads. We set the tables for 96 (a little different than 150). Rolls and garlic bread sticks placed in baskets on the table.
Put ziti in oven, meatballs on top of the very ancient stove. The oven doors would not close, so Steve used one of the racks to prop it against both doors. I am used to an electric oven; these were gas. The ziti had lots of cheese (we had used ricotta, parm and mozzarella) and sauce in it, but perhaps got a twinge overdone--not bad, but just a bit. The lady serving had lots of string as she scooped out each serving. Dinner went well, except we still over-planned. It is, however, better than running out of food.
We adjourned to the Lodge room. Each officer had an escort. These escorts are usually the wives or significant others of the new officers. If the officer is unmarried or otherwise chooses, the escort can be his children or a friend. Most of the escorts are women. This year, one officer, had his teenaged son; and another, his teenaged twin daughters (his wife sat with the other escorts). The officer was presented for installation; the escort was brought to him. The badge/jewel of the office was given to the new officer by his escort. The lady escorts were then presented with a peach rose (like those in the flower arrangements) surrounded by baby's breath. The son was presented with a boutonnière. Each escort went back to her/his seat; the officer, to his new station. Very nice ceremony. Approximately one hour including all the thank yous and other acknowledgements.
The Lodge/installation had an organist which always gives a nice added smoothness and flare to the ceremonies. While folks were walking, he played an assortment of music. Apparently, no one told him that John was retired Navy (probably most people did not even know it). But when John was being escorted to his station, the tune we heard was coming "from the Halls of Montezuma." Lynne, John's parents, and I are probably the only ones who realized what song was being played. (I think John was thinking about too many other things). I wanted to burst out laughing! A Navy guy getting "The Marine Hymn." What irony! I love it. Turned to the ladies behind me and made the comment about John's earlier career. They chuckled too. I am quite sure the organist still does not know.
John, y'all look good in your new top hat! Best wishes for an exciting year, Hiram.
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