I-Day

laxmom856

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Nov 29, 2022
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Does anyone have a confirmed date for I-Day? I have seen both Wednesday, June 28, and Thursday June 29, dealing in the thread/forum. Just starting to make plans.
 
While you’re at it, block your calendar for commissioning week. True, it’s 47 months after I-Day. But in reality, it’s the day after tomorrow. Yes, it goes by that quickly!
Just did this yesterday, and soon, the next one will be tomorrow! Unbelievable how fast it happens.
 
Does anyone have a confirmed date for I-Day? I have seen both Wednesday, June 28, and Thursday June 29, dealing in the thread/forum. Just starting to make plans.
I-Day is June 29. Reporting day for most is also June 29 (direct) but some may need to report on June 28 (prior enlisted).
 
No, anyone can attend. HOWEVER, you want to read older threads on this topic to see if you want to bring lots of other friends/relatives when the reality is there isn't that much to see and seems most appropriate for your immediate family.
 
No, anyone can attend. HOWEVER, you want to read older threads on this topic to see if you want to bring lots of other friends/relatives when the reality is there isn't that much to see and seems most appropriate for your immediate family.

100%.

My favorite i day memories. My daughter and I are hanging out in front where my son was going to exit Bancroft to take oath. I saw about 600 plebes that walked out that looked like him. My daughter took pics of him. Guaranteed me it was him. Showed me the pics. 3 minutes later my son walks out.

Also, after he took the oath we got to spend time with him. First thing he whispered to me “I think I made a mistake. This sucks. They were supposed to be nice to me today before I was inducted. They weren’t.”
 
Heed @time2 advice about reading past threads on this topic.

This is not the same as dropping off Junior at Prestige Private U or Big State U. No helping set up the dorm room, meeting their roommates’ parents, etc. Its about a quick goodbye, maybe as early as 6am, and then a 30-minute reunion that evening. Both can be tense, fraught with emotion, even shock and awe. The swearing-in ceremony, while monumental in a way, is crowded with very limited sight lines; rather hot and humid; without much sense of which plebe in the sea of 1200 white works is yours. I recommend a small traveling party — immediate family is ideal.
 
No, anyone can attend. HOWEVER, you want to read older threads on this topic to see if you want to bring lots of other friends/relatives when the reality is there isn't that much to see and seems most appropriate for your immediate family.
Thank you. Was really asking to
Make sure a few proud grandparents can join.
 
Consider whether grandparents might want to attend PPW. Still plenty of pomp and circumstance — plebe parade, noon formation, PEP, even a tour of Bancroft rooms.

Most importantly, more quality time with the plebe…and stories! Stories galore! The kind of stories that grandparents love to hear! Of course, consider also your plebe’s wishes, as they all approach PPW a bit differently. But definitely more time for all to enjoy.
 
I was around for at least 3 I-Days while dating DH during his time in Annapolis including summer after graduation when he was a detailer and had to do the yelling. We'd watch the goodbyes, the moms crying, the kids trying to hold it together. At that point I didn't have a kiddo much less one that wanted to do this. It's super sobering but not even a drop in the bucket of what's to come their way. Then my sister went through it dropping off her son 10 years ago and I said 'there, there' all while smirking because it's just part of the deal. Now with it potentially being my turn to be the mom.... lets just say paybacks are hell 😭😭😭. There's a fair chance DH won't be able to attend and then I'll have to bring my sister to hold my hand. But saving the super proud grandparents for parents weekend. I'd barely be able to handle my own emotions, much less theirs that day.
 
WRT Grandparents, consider their health and mobility. The morning drop-off is typically very, very early and is only a few minutes long. Then there is all day (as in about 10 hours) of "hanging out" (not seeing your mid). USNA has some activities for parents during the day but most, if not all are outdoors. Late June is typically very hot and humid. There aren't a lot of places to sit down. There aren't many places to which parents have access that have A/C. You can't park on the Yard (with some exceptions, generally including a HC permit). Even if you can park, the parking is on the "exterior" of the Yard, meaning there's lots and lots of walking from your parking place to do or see anything. I can't stress this enough. The last thing you want is the GPs passing out.

The swearing in event takes about 30 minutes . You have to get there early to be able to see anything. It's mostly SRO. While cooler b/c it's in the early evening, it's tough to stand out there after a really long day. Then you have about 30 minutes (again, no place other than the ground or chairs you bring on which to sit) with your mid before s/he goes back into Bancroft Hall.

PPW offers so much more. There are parades, static displays, church services, band concerts, tours of your mid's room, meeting with mid's company officer and detailers, etc. And you get to see your mid for the better part of 3 days at your hotel or rented home. You can eat with them, walk around town with them, go to a movie with them, etc.

If GPs are in great shape, then it may be worth it to bring them to I-Day. If they're at all "frail," let them FaceTime (or whatever) for I-Day and let them come to PPW or some of the many other activities that will occur over 4 years that will be easier on them.
 
WRT Grandparents, consider their health and mobility. The morning drop-off is typically very, very early and is only a few minutes long. Then there is all day (as in about 10 hours) of "hanging out" (not seeing your mid). USNA has some activities for parents during the day but most, if not all are outdoors. Late June is typically very hot and humid. There aren't a lot of places to sit down. There aren't many places to which parents have access that have A/C. You can't park on the Yard (with some exceptions, generally including a HC permit). Even if you can park, the parking is on the "exterior" of the Yard, meaning there's lots and lots of walking from your parking place to do or see anything. I can't stress this enough. The last thing you want is the GPs passing out.

The swearing in event takes about 30 minutes . You have to get there early to be able to see anything. It's mostly SRO. While cooler b/c it's in the early evening, it's tough to stand out there after a really long day. Then you have about 30 minutes (again, no place other than the ground or chairs you bring on which to sit) with your mid before s/he goes back into Bancroft Hall.

PPW offers so much more. There are parades, static displays, church services, band concerts, tours of your mid's room, meeting with mid's company officer and detailers, etc. And you get to see your mid for the better part of 3 days at your hotel or rented home. You can eat with them, walk around town with them, go to a movie with them, etc.

If GPs are in great shape, then it may be worth it to bring them to I-Day. If they're at all "frail," let them FaceTime (or whatever) for I-Day and let them come to PPW or some of the many other activities that will occur over 4 years that will be easier on them.
very much this!
 
This is all helpful. We’ve been told on PPW often the Plebes just want to leave during the day and sleep or relax. That made me think IDay would be a better experience for the GPs and at least we can spend the day prior together. Now I am rethinking things…..
 
It can be an intensely emotional time. Your normally sunny and even-keeled DS/DD can be on the verge of stress-driven tears, both for the reality that has just hit them and the unknown looming over them after the big bronze doors bang shut. It is designed to be a shockingly quick change. An extended family group may not be what the plebe needs or wants.

As noted in other posts, it’s not the same as reporting to a civilian school. They won’t be texting or calling the next day - or for many days - bubbling over with news about cool college things. It’s N*ot College. You could need some emotional support yourself!
 
It can be an intensely emotional time. Your normally sunny and even-keeled DS/DD can be on the verge of stress-driven tears, both for the reality that has just hit them and the unknown looming over them after the big bronze doors bang shut. It is designed to be a shockingly quick change. An extended family group may not be what the plebe needs or wants.

As noted in other posts, it’s not the same as reporting to a civilian school. They won’t be texting or calling the next day - or for many days - bubbling over with news about cool college things. It’s N*ot College. You could need some emotional support yourself!

The other thought I will never forget - when those doors slam … there is a hollow feeling. Followed by a five hour drive while exhausted.

The picnic was good.
 
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