Exactly 50 years ago, December 2, 1972, was a Saturday. On that day Army upset Navy 23 to 15 at JFK stadium in Philadelphia, PA. I was a “plebe” then, having entered the academy on June 2, 1972. In those days plebes had very little freedom, and Army-Navy weekend was the first time we were able to get away from West Point. That night we were at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel celebrating the Army victory. On that very same day my Dad was celebrating his 46th birthday. While on post at West Point plebes didn’t have access to telephones, but we were in a room with a phone, so I was able to give him a call. He got such a kick out of hearing me and a bunch of my raucous company mates wish him a happy birthday! It had been six months since I was able to speak with him. JFK Stadium was torn down in 1992, the Benjamin Franklin Hotel closed in 1980 (in 1982 the vacant building was converted into apartments), and we said our final goodbye to Dad in October 2013. But I will always have the memories. The attached video is a highlight film of the 1972 Army-Navy game. When I watch this video I realize how short 50 years really is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhHQZW86ykA
