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'The Ring Ceremony begins when a couple mounts the carpeted dais and passes through the large gilded replica of the class ring, surmounted by a glowing globe of cyrstals that simulates the jewel.'

As Carolyn Murphy, wearing a white, floor-length Narciso Rodriguez gown and Robert Mandel wearing his dress uniform approached the archway, Carolyn would have taken her host's ring from the silken ribbons and christened it by dipping it into a binnacle containing water from the Seven seas.

The water, which was collected by Navy Chaplains during the year from around the world is a fitting reminder that the midshipman's duty as a Naval Officer or Marine Corps Officer will take him places around the globe.

After 'baptizing the ring,' Carolyn would have placed the ring on Robert Mandel's fingers, gave him a kiss, and together, they passed through the archway.

'This moment is usually fraught with romance, specially if the lady is presented with a miniature class ring for her own wear, for that is generally accepted as equivalent to an engagement ring,' according to the Naval Academy archives.

It is safe to say that Carolyn was never presented with a 'miniature ring.' As Reuters had reported, she dates Incubus lead singer Brandon Boyd and has a young daughter.

Nevertheless, it was a very special evening and Carolyn made Robert Mandel's dream come true by attending the dance.

And as Carolyn told Reuters, "This is a very important time in his life, a reward of his dedication to our country."

Now, we can officially say, 'Robert Mandel, let your journey begin.'

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