Sword Arch, Naval Academy Chapel Wedding

I personally know of two couples who had been married at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel. Chapel is an understatement for the structure - it is a cathedral. Yesterday, a good friend of our son was married there, the day after graduation (1). The weddings are scheduled one hour apart, as the production line continues to service the waiting pairs in rapid order one-after-another.

Our son was the groom's best man - and faithfully executed his duties. He and the groom had been roommates in Brancoft Hall all four years - plebe year to graduation. After the wedding ceremony, the newly married pair exited the chapel through an arch the groomsmen formed with their new swords (2). The arch of swords for weddings is authorized for commissioned, warrant, staff non-commissioned officers, and non-commissioned officers only. The arch of swords ceremony is an old English and American custom, which gives a symbolic pledge of loyalty to the newly married couple from their military family.

The ushers normally form the sword detail (a), however other officers, warrant or staff non-commissioned officers may be designated as needed. Customarily, six or eight members take part in the ceremony (b). The swordsmen form at the bottom of the chapel steps, in two equal ranks, at normal interval, facing each other, with sufficient room between ranks (3 to 4 paces) for the bride and groom to pass (c). The senior usher is positioned in the left rank furthest from the chapel exit. The command officer gives the order "Officers, Draw Swords" and the swords are drawn from their scabbards in one continuous motion (d), rising gracefully to touch the tip of the opposite sword. Then, at "Invert Swords" there is a quick turning of the wrist so that the cutting edge is up. Only the newly married couple is allowed to pass under the arch (e). To add color to the newly married couple's exit, each rank of swordsmen may lower their swords as the couple approach, and demand a "kiss" - not allowing them to pass until a kiss is provided (f). Immediately as the couple pass the last rank, the command officer may prepare to give a single swat to backside of the bride with the broadside of the sword (g) (3), after which the duties of the sword arch party are complete, and they may then retreat back to the chapel (h).
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(1) Midshipmen cannot be married and attend the Academy, so once graduated and commissioned, there are no regulations barring matrimony.

(2) Proper use of the ceremonial sword (or saber) is given in Field Manual 3-21.5: Drill and Ceremonies, Appendix F

* When performing Manual of Arms, please keep these important points in mind:
* Blade tips are relatively sharp; exercise care during use.
* Sword and saber manual of arms is a developed and practiced skill. Do not be flamboyant when handling a drawn sword.
* WKC swords and sabers are intended for ceremonial use only. Horseplay, re-enactment fighting, and sword-to-sword impact is dangerous and can result in damage to the blade and personal injury.
* Children have a natural fascination with swords and often mistake a ceremonial sword for a weapon. Supervise children closely and teach them that the misuse of a sword is dangerous.

Army Sabers/Swords Manual of Arms

The saber is worn by officers while participating in ceremonies with troops under arms, or as directed. It is carried on the left side of the body attached to the belt by the scabbard chain with the guard of the saber to the rear. The sword is worn by all platoon sergeants and first sergeants while participating in ceremonies with troops under arms, or as directed. It is carried in the same manner as the officer’s saber.

F-1. NOMENCLATURE

The nomenclature for the saber is saber for all officers, model 1902. The blade is 31 inches long (more information about sword lengths). The nomenclature for the sword is non-commissioned officer’s sword, model 1840. The figure to the left shows the nomenclature for pertinent parts of the saber (sword) and scabbard.

(3) An ideal result from the broadside-of-the-sword-to-the-back-side-of-the-bride is given in this photograph - no bruising or drawing of blood is desired. This brief extra is a great crowd-pleaser, and the bride is said to typically not be expecting it since the earlier marriage ceremony is a great distraction.