New Market Oath for VMI

Goarmymom

5-Year Member
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Apr 4, 2011
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164
Does anyone have any advice as to what time we should get there, things to bring that we might not have thought of, and where we should park and watch the parade in New Market? Thanks so much!
 
Does anyone have any advice as to what time we should get there, things to bring that we might not have thought of, and where we should park and watch the parade in New Market? Thanks so much!

We got to the battle field about an hour early ...would recommend a little sooner and staking a claim to a shaded area for your picnic or taking an EZ up type tent. If my memory is correct the Rats form up to take their oath..then a short period of time follows before they charge across the Field of Lost Shoes. After the charge then they have to kind of seek you out to find your picnic area, which amazingly happens because I swear they all look alike:shake:. My advice would be to leave early from new Market Battlefield prior to the Rats boarding the bus for the parade. We sat in traffic quite a while and were very fortunate to find a parking space in the bank parking Lot which gave us a good vantage point.(a few must have been afraid to park there because there was a sign that said NO PARKING.. and teeny tiny print that said "during business hours" which I was happy to notice.(bank was closed). Don't forget chairs while waiting for the parade.. We stood in the sun for a long time..bad idea. Grab a corner near the gas station or the little store so drinks are available if it is a hot day.
We thought we had plenty of drinks to last through the parade but DS and friends we slightly thirsty after running across the field so the extra 12 bottles of Gatorade disappeared very quickly. Fresh fruit salad and finger jello went faster than anything . I bet you are getting excited.. I was like a kid a Christmas last year at this time.
 
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We got to the battle field about an hour early ...would recommend a little sooner and staking a claim to a shaded area for your picnic or taking an EZ up type tent. If my memory is correct the Rats form up to take their oath..then a short period of time follows before they charge across the Field of Lost Shoes. After the charge then they have to kind of seek you out to find your picnic area, which amazingly happens because I swear they all look alike:shake:. My advice would be to leave early from new Market Battlefield prior to the Rats boarding the bus for the parade. We sat in traffic quite a while and were very fortunate to find a parking space in the bank parking Lot which gave us a good vantage point.(a few must have been afraid to park there because there was a sign that said NO PARKING.. and teeny tiny print that said "during business hours" which I was happy to notice.(bank was closed). Don't forget chairs while waiting for the parade.. We stood in the sun for a long time..bad idea. Grab a corner near the gas station or the little store so drinks are available if it is a hot day.
We thought we had plenty of drinks to last through the parade but DS and friends we slightly thirsty after running across the field so the extra 12 bottles of Gatorade disappeared very quickly. Fresh fruit salad and finger jello went faster than anything . I bet you are getting excited.. I was like a kid a Christmas last year at this time.

You're right, it is like Christmas! I can hardly wait! So is there just a main street, and they march down that street? Is it pretty obvious where they will be? Thanks, I just don't know anything about this.
 
The parking lot is a good hike from the battlefield. Since we brought an Easy-up, plus food and chairs, coolers, etc. it was quite a haul. Plus it was 95+ degrees last year.

Afterward, we just followed the line of cars into New Market. About a block off the main path is a library and we parked in their lot. All they do is march right by, get back on the buses, and head back to Lexington. You'll probably get back to campus before they do. Once they put their rifles away, they are free to go out with you. Good time for a WalMart run. We were looking for Mother's and Never Dull, which was sold out. You may want to buy some and bring it with you. They will appreciate it. We took a couple of his BR's with us out to eat and then ice cream before they went back. They'll be a little nervous because they have their first sweat party that night. They'll do fine. They figure out pretty quick if they can handle Hell Week they can handle everything else they throw at them!:hammer:
 
The parking lot is a good hike from the battlefield. Since we brought an Easy-up, plus food and chairs, coolers, etc. it was quite a haul. Plus it was 95+ degrees last year.

Afterward, we just followed the line of cars into New Market. About a block off the main path is a library and we parked in their lot. All they do is march right by, get back on the buses, and head back to Lexington. You'll probably get back to campus before they do. Once they put their rifles away, they are free to go out with you. Good time for a WalMart run. We were looking for Mother's and Never Dull, which was sold out. You may want to buy some and bring it with you. They will appreciate it. We took a couple of his BR's with us out to eat and then ice cream before they went back. They'll be a little nervous because they have their first sweat party that night. They'll do fine. They figure out pretty quick if they can handle Hell Week they can handle everything else they throw at them!:hammer:

OK, thanks! Sorry to sound ignorant, but what is "Mother's and Never Dull?" Is it a brass cleaner? :confused:
 
Sorry about that. Apparently Brasso doesn't cut it anymore. My DS prefers Never Dull. One container will last the entire room for the whole year and then some.
 
Sorry about that. Apparently Brasso doesn't cut it anymore. My DS prefers Never Dull. One container will last the entire room for the whole year and then some.

Can you get that stuff up here in No.Va.?
 
Can you get that stuff up here in No.Va.?

It can usually be found at almost any store with an automotive section..in with the car polish.. We actually came across it in our grocery store in the cleaning supply aisle. Lex Wal Mart never has enough.
 
Are rats allowed to use a visit with family permit the Saturday evening PRIOR to New Market? The Superintendent's Update (July 2012, p. 2) says a Visit with Family Permit will be in effect this weekend (italics added for emphasis), however the VMI website only mentions being able to take rats off post after the New Market Parade. Thanks!
 
The parking lot is a good hike from the battlefield. Since we brought an Easy-up, plus food and chairs, coolers, etc. it was quite a haul. Plus it was 95+ degrees last year.

Afterward, we just followed the line of cars into New Market. About a block off the main path is a library and we parked in their lot. All they do is march right by, get back on the buses, and head back to Lexington. You'll probably get back to campus before they do. Once they put their rifles away, they are free to go out with you. Good time for a WalMart run. We were looking for Mother's and Never Dull, which was sold out. You may want to buy some and bring it with you. They will appreciate it. We took a couple of his BR's with us out to eat and then ice cream before they went back. They'll be a little nervous because they have their first sweat party that night. They'll do fine. They figure out pretty quick if they can handle Hell Week they can handle everything else they throw at them!:hammer:

So if my family (I'm a rat in ratmass 2013+3) isn't coming I can go hang out with a BR's family who is came? I'm from California so my parents could not make it.
 
Yes, you can go to dinner with a BR and family. I believe all rats have to fill out a permit. Speak with your dyke to get the information.
 
FYI: I sent an email asking for clarification from Cadet Life and administration and they report back that rats can use permits Saturday and Sunday!
 
Signing out?

Does anyone know where the rats go to sign out on Sunday?
 
And don't forget----there may be Rats that don't have family or friends in the area, if you have space--maybe see if they can hang a little with ya! My DS is a 3rd and last year, we were unable to go to New Market (we live on the other side of the country) and so was there somewhat by himself...for some of the Rats, at this point, they can be pretty homesick and wishing for a 'friendly' face ;)
 
And don't forget----there may be Rats that don't have family or friends in the area, if you have space--maybe see if they can hang a little with ya! My DS is a 3rd and last year, we were unable to go to New Market (we live on the other side of the country) and so was there somewhat by himself...for some of the Rats, at this point, they can be pretty homesick and wishing for a 'friendly' face ;)

We will have extra space, chairs, food & hugs for any rat who would like to join us. Are they allowed to phone home while at New Market? I'd be glad to let them use my cell.
 
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