I-day

ders_dad said:
During PPW, do you get a chance to meet your DS/DD's detailers (if you visit their room)? I suspect (knowing my DS) that he may not be too keen on that, as Dad has the reputation of saying things that could embarrass offspring (BTW, I have zero intention of doing that but the concern is not without some foundation). But I really would like to meet them, if possible, if only to put a face with a name and to simply tell them that their efforts are appreciated by us.

Either way, we will obviously respect DS's wishes (if he doesn't want us to see his room, then so be it) and I'm suspecting that he won't want to eat in King Hall.
Click to expand...

We didn’t eat in King Hall at the request of our DS. We DID see his room which is a must as you will only get another chance 2/C year. Just remember anything you as a parent say to a Detailer/Upperclassmen CAN and WILL be used against them. For the sake of your Plebe, promise them to be low key.
 
Capt MJ said:
If they simply cannot make it, people can and do report in solo and have for generations. Grads will be there with mobile phones in hand so you can call during that last bit of time with family, or one of your brand-new roomies will grab you to come be with their family and use their phones.

Perhaps one parent could come? Or another family member or family friend? Their role is to give you the “you’ve got this” + hug + mobile phone access. Then, really plan for PPW, where there is much more quality time.

Anyone trying to make a flight that night would have to book something for 10 pm, in my mind. There are just so many people leaving the Yard and vehicles leaving the Annapolis area, that logistics are dicey.
Click to expand...
Yeah, one of my parents can definitely come, but they both really want to come for the big good bye.
 
MidCakePa said:
+1 to the notion that PPW is more important than I-Day. As your parents work to get their business off the ground, this is the one they should prioritize.

Saying goodbye is saying goodbye, whether it’s at home, at the airport or at I-Day. Sure, it’s emotional to see you take the oath, sweat in your white works, and then march into Mother B. But seeing you for three days after you’ve been “transformed,” visiting your room, meeting your shipmates and detailers, hearing plebe summer stories, hanging around doing nothing or everything — that’s a can’t miss event. Best wishes to you and to your parents’ new business.
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
My parents always wanted to eat in King Hall. I'm not sure I ever took them (can't remember any more). If I didn't, I wish I had b/c it is a memorable experience for those who don't experience it 3x/day and I know they would have enjoyed it. If I didn't, I know I was thinking about myself (how tired I was of eating there) vs. my parents, who would see 4000 people fed at once, all of the hijinks that (used to) go on, the announcements, etc. Would have been special for them.

So, I absolutely agree that a King Hall meal not something for PPW, unless the plebe really wants to do it. But for the soon-to-be plebes and mids out there, if your parents really want to eat there, do try to find one opportunity over your four years to take them -- for their sake, not yours.
 
We had fun at I-Day. We didn't attend a single organized parent thing, however. DS reported to the vortex around 0600 and we went back to the hotel and had breakfast. Then, we hung out at the pool until late into the afternoon. There were cocktails. We went back for the see-him-in-whiteworks-and-hand-him-a-sandwich phase, then after the doors slammed, we went back to the pool for more cocktails. Your mileage may vary, but we found that to be pretty relaxing.
 
THParent said:
We had fun at I-Day. We didn't attend a single organized parent thing, however. DS reported to the vortex around 0600 and we went back to the hotel and had breakfast. Then, we hung out at the pool until late into the afternoon. There were cocktails. We went back for the see-him-in-whiteworks-and-hand-him-a-sandwich phase, then after the doors slammed, we went back to the pool for more cocktails. Your mileage may vary, but we found that to be pretty relaxing.
Click to expand...


Having dropped off (unpacked , set up and decorated) two daughters at college, that sounds like a much better way to start a kid off at college.
First daughter went to college in DC -- I had these grandiose plans to to drop her off at the curb, and spend the day /evening with my wife in Annapolis. DW and DD had other plans ..we spent the whole day "arranging" her room, complete with side trips to the mall. We never did get to Annapolis. (The pain was made worse by the fact that one of my law partners had a son going to the same school., same dorm -- I saw him walking out at noon, having successfully launched his son, and he was off to Georgetown).
 
I lived on the opposite coast of USNA and always had another sibling in college. Money for trips were not easy for my family. So for those who are facing this... do what works for your family. The big events are PPW, 2/C Parents Weekend and Commissioning Week as a 1/C. Herndon is fun to watch, but I would put it behind these events. These visits between flights, cars and hotels/houses can add up with many having other kids in college too, so I know many families start saving now.

I was also an athlete and my parents goal was to see me play at least once a year. Anytime we went out west they always came and then made one trip a year where we played 2-3 games in a week they could see. I know that wasn’t easy for them but those were my favorite visits. There wasn’t the chaos of big events and the town flooded with guests. My company officer always gave me extra liberty to have dinner after the games with my parents as they knew we rarely got leave, it was always appreciated.
 
NavyHoops said:
I lived on the opposite coast of USNA and always had another sibling in college. Money for trips were not easy for my family. So for those who are facing this... do what works for your family. The big events are PPW, 2/C Parents Weekend and Commissioning Week as a 1/C. Herndon is fun to watch, but I would put it behind these events. These visits between flights, cars and hotels/houses can add up with many having other kids in college too, so I know many families start saving now.

I was also an athlete and my parents goal was to see me play at least once a year. Anytime we went out west they always came and then made one trip a year where we played 2-3 games in a week they could see. I know that wasn’t easy for them but those were my favorite visits. There wasn’t the chaos of big events and the town flooded with guests. My company officer always gave me extra liberty to have dinner after the games with my parents as they knew we rarely got leave, it was always appreciated.
Click to expand...

Yep, it’s the most expensive “free” education ever. We drop around $800 for a weekend visit. Parents weekend we drove (18 hours) to trade airfare costs for the longer Airbnb rental. Haven’t even begun to think about commissioning $$$. Its a challenge for many! Families do what they can, and do NOT feel bad about not keeping up with others. That’s another downfall of social media, imo. But the memories are priceless. We had never been out east!
 
I haven't read every single post but to the OP, the swearing in ceremony was aired live on-line during my son's IDay swearing in. That may make your parents happy to know they can watch the special occasion. Good luck! GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!
 
I will chime in that when I went to West Point way back in 1980, I went solo. It’s not the end of the world. And for those families who can’t make it up that often for various reasons, rest assured that there are plenty of surrogate families who’ll help take care of you DS/DD as needed. Our DS will be 2023 at USNA, and he’s looking forward to meeting new folks, in addition to the weekends we travel up to see him! Go Army! Go Navy! (My new rally cry)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top