19 July 2007 - Day 12

Thursday, the day the pieces start falling into place. Cadets alternated rehearsing their performances in the chapel, getting a feel for what it will be like at graduation. The Colors and Funeral Elements, as well as the Creed teams also got time to work on their presentations in the chapel. In the afternoon, Chaplain Major Rob Edwards of the Middle East Region joined us, and gave a class to the White Hats on the Memorial Table. After dinner, cadets put on their uniform jackets, hats, and shoes and headed to the chapel for the ceremonial pinning of the silver cord on the White Hats. Mr. Mike Simpkins, the DDR Program Manager, was there to make the cord presentations. Following the ceremony, Capt Stapf ran the cadets through the graduation ceremony, highlighting the different points and then allowing everyone to practice. If today is any indication, tomorrow's graduation will certainly look sharp!

Atlantis Flight practice	Eagle Flight practice	Slaw toss
Apollo Flight practice	Memorial Table class	Bearers team folding the flag
Mercury Flight in chapel	Getting used to the uniform	Cordon for silver cord presentations
Mr. Simpkins	Pinning of the silver cord	Funeral Element
Atlantis at present arms	Discovery marching in	Presentation of the Academy