A previous version of this article misstated the cost of the building. The Wesley A. Brown Field House cost $52 million, not $5 million.
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Facility Dedicated to Black Pioneer
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Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) honored Brown's perseverance and his love of the Navy.
"His personal struggle was a fight for the truths and beliefs that unite us as Americans," O'Malley said.
Brown is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and served in the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps. He helped build houses in Hawaii, roads in Liberia, waterfront facilities in the Philippines and a seawater conversion plant in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
After retiring from the Navy in 1969, Brown worked for the New York State University Construction Fund, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, and Howard University.
Capt. Peter W. McGeory, the academy's senior chaplain, paid tribute to Brown.
"He is a true American treasure, and may all of us learn from his courage, his grace, his humor and his humility," McGeory said.
The academy's gospel choir, made up largely of black midshipmen, sang at yesterday's ceremony. Many of the singers said Brown has been an inspiration to them.
"I want to continue to keep building the bridges he built," said Jon Singleton, 26, of Cordele, Ga. "He paved the way for us to follow. His legacy must continue."
