R-Day question

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punisherz1911

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Who is allowed to come to R-day (immediate family only or is extended family allowed)and are there activities for the families on that day?
 
Anyone can accompany you to R-Day. The planned activities are:

1. Stand in line with you at Ike Hall in the early AM
2. Hear a five-minute welcome speech with you in the auditorium at Ike Hall.
3. Hold on to you for 60 seconds at the end of that five-minute welcome.
4. Watch you as you leave the auditorium.
5. Attend a brief with the other parents.
6. Wander around the fort until 6PM.
7. Sit in the bleachers at 6PM and watch all the newly-shorn cadets parade on the plain (we weren't able to pick our son out).
8. Go home.
 
R day is open to anyone. There is a great opportunity to walk the post night before to get a feel for the area and to experience the history however - A Day (IMHO) is the better day to bring family. The ceremony on the plain is not to be missed!
 
I agree with JWP. A-Day and PPW are much more fulfilling and any family friends may attend

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
There are two ways to "do" Rday:
1. Stand around all day and hope for a glimpse of your New Cadet. (What I did in 2008)
2. Take the tours offered and visit Constitution Island, the entire post, walk by the river, etc, etc, etc... (What I did in 2015).
I like my 2015 plan better, but I did get a picture in 2008. It's a long, emotionally charged day. Take with you who you need to draw strength from. We brought a whole crew this past time.
 
bookreader said:
@VelveteenR - you forgot one very important event that also happens on R-day - shopping for WP swag!!
Click to expand...

No swag here. Not a fan of items with the names of military bases plastered on them. Less a fan of anything with the word "Mom" or "Dad" on it.
 
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Wow, you are the second person I've ever "met" who didn't succumb to the shopping frenzy! Congrats for being that strong! As we enter a store, hubs and I joke, "I wonder if they sell anything we don't already have?"
 
Make sure your entourage knows that it's a very long day, it's usually hot and humid (sometimes with an afternoon downpour), and there could be quite a bit of walking and climbing of hills. It won't be fun for someone if they have to sit in the shade with Grandma or Grandpa while everyone else explores.

The Oath Ceremony is very moving and we were able to pick out our New Cadet.
 
VelveteenR said:
No swag here. Not a fan of items with the names of military bases plastered on them. Less a fan of anything with the word "Mom" or "Dad" on it.
Click to expand...
What?? No hideous, shapeless, scratchy, ugly black wool coat with a big "USMA" and year on it for you? :biggrin: :biglaugh:
 
Don't get me wrong. I have a few items with MY college on them, but I don't see the point of flaunting kid's college; I'm not the one attending. He can buy his own swag. Oh wait, the government has already given him a ton of it.
 
but I don't see the point of flaunting kid's college

Wow. Do I feel like a goof. I never realized I was flaunting.

I just put the Army/West Point license plate holder on my car that I got this past weekend at the C-store. What am I going to do with that sweet quarter zip I bought as well with the Army logo?
 
I love all my WP shirts, hoodies, coats, scarves, buttons, bracelets, pendants, hats, etc, etc, (just bought a running t for my spring/summer 5k races...)....like said above, it starts many great conversations and I make new acquaintances. Each to his/her own.
 
There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking pride in the accomplishment of your children, and showing your pride to the world. Bring on the swag! My husband is a veteran, and it's awesome how many amazing conversations we have with other vets, and those who are curious about his service.

I'm just sitting here trying to figure out how I can combine USMA swag with Navy swag! (GASP!!!) Our oldest DS is a Sailor on the USS Whidbey Island, and now younger DS will be attending USMA. As you can imagine, we've already had many fun and awesome conversations at our house - ha ha!

I am so very proud of both of our boys, and I will gladly flaunt it! Bring on the swag!!
 
^it's not much different than supporting your favorite pro sports team, but at least with a SA you have a more personal link (and a vested interest) to the organization, unless of course your kid is a pro athlete. :rolleyes:
 
Never thought I would admit it, but shopping therapy did wonders for this Dad. Left my wife and rest of the family behind while bringing out our cadet candidate, so it can be a long lonely day when you are use to having the rest of the gang to hang with. A trip to the Cadet Chapel can help quiet the soul and if Fort Putnam is open - highly recommend a trip up there to walk around and experience some history and take in the great territorial views. You would be surprised how much time you spend chatting with other parents in lines, at the Brief, while waiting for the R Day Parade in the bleachers. Connecting with other parents can also prove to be very therapeutic on this emotionally charged day.
 
Excellent points @BlackKnight2016

For any parents who are interested in spiritual sustenance on R day, the Jewish chapel is open ( you can meet with other Jewish USMA parents and enjoy a mighty nice oneg!) and the Protestant chapel will hold a service (middayish). It can be very nice to meet with other likeminded parents. There probably are other services on Rday (likely there is a Catholic mass and possibly others) but those are the two that I am aware of. Meeting with the various chaplains on post was a great experience. Each one was so kind and helpful.
 
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