190524-N-OI810-603 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 24, 2019) Midshipmen toss their covers in the air during the United States Naval Academy's Class of 2019 Graduation Day and Commissioning Ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The hat toss, now a traditional ending to the ceremony, originated at the Naval Academy in 1912 as a symbolic and visual end to the four-year program. The Class of 2019 graduated 1052 midshipmen and were addressed by acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)