[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING MIDSHIPMAN THIRD CLASS PATRICK LIEN

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                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2013

  Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this 
opportunity to recognize one of our Midshipmen at the United States 
Naval Academy. On May 20th, 2013, Patrick Lien was the first of his 
class to reach the top of the Herndon Monument during the legendary 
``Plebes No More'' Ceremony.
   Each year the freshman class, known as ``plebes'' at the Naval 
Academy, will work together to climb the Herndon Monument, which is a 
21-foot tall granite pillar on the service academy's campus, and 
replace a plebe's ``Dixie-Cup'' hat with an upperclassman's combination 
cover at the top. This ceremony is conducted at the end of every 
academic year to represent the end of a plebe's year as the lowest rank 
at the Naval Academy. According to the Naval Academy legend, the first 
plebe to reach the top of the Herndon Monument will be the first in the 
class to rise to the rank of Admiral. The monument is usually greased 
with Crisco, which makes it decidedly more difficult for the plebes to 
accomplish the task. The Class of 2016 was able to accomplish the task 
in one hour, thirty-two minutes, and forty-three seconds.
   Patrick's accomplishment is a testament to his perseverance, and 
commitment to his fellow Midshipmen. Both of these qualities are 
crucial components of an effective officer in our armed forces.
   As Patrick continues to develop into a future military officer, I 
would like to thank him for his service to our country and for 
representing the great people of Central Florida at the prestigious 
United States Naval Academy. I also wish him well in his future 
academic, athletic and military pursuits.
   The United States Naval Academy is fortunate to have such an 
outstanding midshipman at their institution. I applaud Patrick Lien on 
his continued service at the United States Naval Academy and to the 
citizens of the United States of America. His commitment to excellence, 
leadership and service is to be admired, and may it inspire others to 
follow in his footsteps.

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