I-Day

[george44]

Whatever feels right for you and a fun pre-PS mental break for your plebe-to-be.

Some make it a mini-vacation, do the M&M (monuments and museums) stops in DC with a few days in DC, go down to Mt. Vernon for the day, rent bicycles and do the various Potomac River bike paths, visit the National Aquarium and Ft. McHenry in Baltimore, go to a Nationals or Orioles game, head over to the Eastern Shore beaches in DE or MD (my fave: Cape Henlopen, use the “borrow a bike” program and do various park loops, https://destateparks.com/Adventures/Beaches) or the more boardwalk type experience at DE/MD beaches in Ocean City, Rehoboth, Bethany, etc. Eat beach boardwalk food! People-watch! Be far away from the Yard!
Allow a day to wander DTA (downtown Annapolis) on foot and get oriented to the historic downtown area and outlying shopping/dining/hotel clusters.
Bonus points if you find/visit:
Naval Bagels
The Amish Market (Pennsylvania Dutch cooperative market)
Chick ‘n’ Ruth’s Deli
Kilwin’s
Double-T Diner
Iron Rooster
(random cherry-picking of Annapolis favorite places, for residents, mids, families)
Triple bonus: You may need to know this sometime during your 4-year run as a parent, the tiny but well-stocked package store tucked into the back corner of the Walgreen’s on Taylor Ave, no signage out front, same strip mall as Naval Bagels, in the Navy Stadium area.

We took a family mini vacation a few days before and went to DC and local area and just hung out with each other, so worth it. (Didn't get a family vacation because DS graduated and had to be at USNA in two weeks time) Coming from the west coast I also wanted DS to acclimate to time zone and weather too.

We stayed right across gate one so walking back and forth was totally doable. (Our I-day to oath was over two days).

Grandparents came PPW and that was nice.
Every family is different but whatever you think you and your family would enjoy the most because once they poof and get sucked inside the vortex.... game changes immediately!

 

[Capt MJ]

Thank you so much for this! We went to Annapolis for the first time last yr to drop off DS in Summer Seminar. We only stayed one night, just enough to do a tour of the Academy, and walk DTA. This time we are arriving on Monday to do all the touristy stuff; museums in DC, wonder in DTA. We love to try “hole in the wall” kinda restaurants when we travel. I copied and pasted your list in my “things to try in Annapolis” notes

The Pa Dutch Market. Open Thurs-Sat only. Get in line with all the locals for hot pretzel logs (watch the Amish kids make them) with a variety of fillings and go nuts on the baked goods.

 

[Capt MJ]

And for those who know their mids may be the type to need quiet time alone to mentally settle to the task ahead, a walk or run in Quiet Waters Park is always a pleasure. I love that place. Set at water’s edge.

There is not only a dog park, but a dog beach, for all the swmmer breeds that abound in the area. One time I was there and the local Newfie Club was having a dog swim event. Peaceful and balancing to watch.

Quiet Waters Park | Anne Arundel County Government

www.aacounty.org

 

[OldRetSWO]

And for those who know their mids may be the type to need quiet time alone to mentally settle to the task ahead, a walk or run in Quiet Waters Park is always a pleasure. I love that place. Set at water’s edge.

There is not only a dog park, but a dog beach, for all the swmmer breeds that abound in the area. One time I was there and the local Newfie Club was having a dog swim event. Peaceful and balancing to watch.

Quiet Waters Park | Anne Arundel County Government

www.aacounty.org

Never seen a Doggie Swim Meet but back when we owned a (retired) greyhound, we took her to a couple of Greyhound meetups that included
running races just like they were bred and trained for.

 

[Capt MJ]

Never seen a Doggie Swim Meet but back when we owned a (retired) greyhound, we took her to a couple of Greyhound meetups that included
running races just like they were bred and trained for.

Lure coursing? Greyhounds and whippets are speed demons. Fun to watch.

 

[Heatherg21]

DS was a 2020 IDay kid so no Iday for us. We dropped him on the curb at the airport in AZ and off he went. My allergies kicked in, and stayed kicked in for a few weeks.

Fast forward a year and he is on the yard for a double voluntary summer class. He calls me from his room, and he and a buddy are watching IDay out their Bancroft window.

He said it was crazy. Some parents were holding it together, some soon-to-be plebes were holding it together, and some weren't. He said it was hard to watch when the kids in white works were poised and trying to keep their composure, and then a sobbing significant other or parent/sibling/grandparent, etc. lost it.

He told me in hindsight that he was sort of glad we said our goodbyes on the curb 2600 miles from T-Court. He thought it might have been hard on him knowing or seeing my and Dad's emotions. Knowing what was to come was enough for him to be dealing with.

I will say that the yard is huge. Uneven ground, more walking, and stairs than I would have thought possible. I've been out twice since he reported and each time I get my steps in. 2/C weekend, my friend and I did 34 miles in 4 days between the yard and DTA. I have some concerns about commissioning week and his 81-year-old grandma who swears she won't miss it. She has a bad hip and has to be very careful re falls. She is going to pursue a handicap placard prior to May of 2024.

I really enjoy the weather and football weekend around 9/11. Great weekend to see a game.

Each family has to make their own decisions and do what is best for them, of course. For those that don't attend in person, USNA typically live streams the oath. I watched almost 1200 of the masked class of 2024 take theirs via a Facebook live stream. Screen shot what I thought was my kid, when he came home at Christmas he told me I was wrong.

 

[LA rockymnt hi]

For I- Day of June 29, 2023, Is it okay to arrive on June 28th (housing is not an issue) just a day early or do you recommend 2-3 days earlier? We are flexible with time. Just trying to see what is best. Thank you.

We arrived 2 days early this summer for I-day. One day just all being tourists all together. The day before I-day was spent on the yard watching the priors and Naps go through the in processing and meeting other plebes. My girl and many other plebes from her company met up that day to get to know each other a bit before all the craziness of PS. I think it really helped form relationships because there isn’t a ton of talking during the first bit of PS.

 

[usna1985]

I lived within 50 miles of USNA so I showed up the night before (with just parents). Folks who come from HI or AK often showed up a couple of days early to deal with jet lag.

It's really a personal thing. Mid and family will have plenty of time over 4 years to see and do things in and around Annapolis. If you want to make this a mini-vacation, go for it. If you just want to get there the night before, do that. If you feel better saying your good-byes at home, do that -- it's not all that unusual and you will be supported that day by parents' clubs, the chaplains, etc. There is no right answer or a "better" way to do it.

 

[MidCakePa]

My girl and many other plebes from her company met up that day to get to know each other a bit before all the craziness of PS.

Did they get to learn each other’s first names?

I find it amusing that during PPW, as the plebes roam around DTA and run into company mates, they greet each other almost exclusively by last name. Those are the labels used by the detailers, so why would the plebes be any different, I guess. I suppose they can learn first names when the ac year starts.

 

[bigmack]

I think the answer depends on where you are from, and how much previous experience you have in the Annapolis or DC area? Our family lives on the West Coast and due to the cost of flights, none of us (including my DS) had been to Annapolis before I-Day. We were also non-military and pretty clueless about the USNA journey we had just embarked on....We flew into BWI on a Sunday night, toured USNA first thing Monday morning, ate lunch at Iron Rooster, and spent the day in DTA. We spent Tuesday and Wednesday in DC visiting memorials/monuments. DS especially enjoyed Arlington, Mt. Vernon, and early morning runs (prep for PS) around Tidal Basin when absolutely no people were out. On the last lap around Tidal Basin he ran up to the Jefferson Memorial where he got to enjoy it completely to himself--I think he had a lot on his mind considering the commitment he was about to make and he described the experience as "one of the most spiritual moments of his life". I-Day was Thursday so we drove back to Annapolis Wednesday night and stayed in a hotel there.

DS is our oldest child. We left all the younger kids at home with grandparents. Just his dad and I came with him to I-Day. Those last few days traveling the area with our 17 year old child were absolutely treasured time. He was a child on June 29, 2022 and on I-Day (June 30th) that childhood abruptly ended! When we came back for PPW the transformation was absolutely freakin' unbelievable--all in a good way in regards to maturity, attitude, gratefulness, appearance, cleanliness, etc., but it was also apparent that my role as his mama would be very different from that point on. My advice, especially if you have a direct admit, is to make those last couple of days together special.

 

[Capt MJ]

I think the answer depends on where you are from, and how much previous experience you have in the Annapolis or DC area? Our family lives on the West Coast and due to the cost of flights, none of us (including my DS) had been to Annapolis before I-Day. We were also non-military and pretty clueless about the USNA journey we had just embarked on....We flew into BWI on a Sunday night, toured USNA first thing Monday morning, ate lunch at Iron Rooster, and spent the day in DTA. We spent Tuesday and Wednesday in DC visiting memorials/monuments. DS especially enjoyed Arlington, Mt. Vernon, and early morning runs (prep for PS) around Tidal Basin when absolutely no people were out. On the last lap around Tidal Basin he ran up to the Jefferson Memorial where he got to enjoy it completely to himself--I think he had a lot on his mind considering the commitment he was about to make and he described the experience as "one of the most spiritual moments of his life". I-Day was Thursday so we drove back to Annapolis Wednesday night and stayed in a hotel there.

DS is our oldest child. We left all the younger kids at home with grandparents. Just his dad and I came with him to I-Day. Those last few days traveling the area with our 17 year old child were absolutely treasured time. He was a child on June 29, 2022 and on I-Day (June 30th) that childhood abruptly ended! When we came back for PPW the transformation was absolutely freakin' unbelievable--all in a good way in regards to maturity, attitude, gratefulness, appearance, cleanliness, etc., but it was also apparent that my role as his mama would be very different from that point on. My advice, especially if you have a direct admit, is to make those last couple of days together special.

Beautiful post.

 

[Heatherg21]

I think the answer depends on where you are from, and how much previous experience you have in the Annapolis or DC area? Our family lives on the West Coast and due to the cost of flights, none of us (including my DS) had been to Annapolis before I-Day. We were also non-military and pretty clueless about the USNA journey we had just embarked on....We flew into BWI on a Sunday night, toured USNA first thing Monday morning, ate lunch at Iron Rooster, and spent the day in DTA. We spent Tuesday and Wednesday in DC visiting memorials/monuments. DS especially enjoyed Arlington, Mt. Vernon, and early morning runs (prep for PS) around Tidal Basin when absolutely no people were out. On the last lap around Tidal Basin he ran up to the Jefferson Memorial where he got to enjoy it completely to himself--I think he had a lot on his mind considering the commitment he was about to make and he described the experience as "one of the most spiritual moments of his life". I-Day was Thursday so we drove back to Annapolis Wednesday night and stayed in a hotel there.

DS is our oldest child. We left all the younger kids at home with grandparents. Just his dad and I came with him to I-Day. Those last few days traveling the area with our 17 year old child were absolutely treasured time. He was a child on June 29, 2022 and on I-Day (June 30th) that childhood abruptly ended! When we came back for PPW the transformation was absolutely freakin' unbelievable--all in a good way in regards to maturity, attitude, gratefulness, appearance, cleanliness, etc., but it was also apparent that my role as his mama would be very different from that point on. My advice, especially if you have a direct admit, is to make those last couple of days together special.

The perfect blend of space and time spent together. Beautiful. Tough to do as a parent, but a beautiful and meaningful gift to give as a parent. Space. And memories.

 

[Happy2BaNavyMom]

As a 2021 Grad Mom, I'll throw in a few thoughts. I-Day...my husband and I had planned a European Vacation with and to visit family and friends. (Quite honestly, we knew whilst planning this would interfere with I-Day - thought, "he'll never make the cut, keep planning!") Well, he did. My son ended up spending the night before with a grad from his HS and their family. But, my parents made it to I-day. My Father giving my son the Oath (Honor, after the real) is the most precious video I have. My Mom and Dad were there in 2017. I made it to Plebe Parent Weekend which was one of the best times of my life. My mom passed away in February , 2019. My Dad passed away February, 2022 (after his Commissioning, which he was unable to attend due to health reasons). I believe God planned all of this for my parents to spend this incredible moment with my son. If you have to choose between I-Day and PPW, I'd vote PPW. After PPW, we had an Army/Navy game his Youngster Year, 2C Parents' weekend his 2C year and then, of course, Commissioning. If you can make EVERY milestone, do! If not (we are Californians) be there for what you can and make the most of it. If you've raised your kid prepared for USNA, they'll be fine. Whether you know it or not. Just sayin'.

 

[OldRetSWO]

As a 2021 Grad Mom, I'll throw in a few thoughts. I-Day...my husband and I had planned a European Vacation with and to visit family and friends. (Quite honestly, we knew whilst planning this would interfere with I-Day - thought, "he'll never make the cut, keep planning!") Well, he did. My son ended up spending the night before with a grad from his HS and their family. But, my parents made it to I-day. My Father giving my son the Oath (Honor, after the real) is the most precious video I have. My Mom and Dad were there in 2017. I made it to Plebe Parent Weekend which was one of the best times of my life. My mom passed away in February , 2019. My Dad passed away February, 2022 (after his Commissioning, which he was unable to attend due to health reasons). I believe God planned all of this for my parents to spend this incredible moment with my son. If you have to choose between I-Day and PPW, I'd vote PPW. After PPW, we had an Army/Navy game his Youngster Year, 2C Parents' weekend his 2C year and then, of course, Commissioning. If you can make EVERY milestone, do! If not (we are Californians) be there for what you can and make the most of it. If you've raised your kid prepared for USNA, they'll be fine. Whether you know it or not. Just sayin'.

Every family has to figure its own way forward and its not always about the travel distance. We lived about 3 and a half hours drive plus I was in and out of DC on business fairly regularly so I certainly expected to visit more often than my parents had back when I was a mid (very different time and parenting styles). Managed a couple of visits in the fall of his plebe year, saw him at Thanksgiving and Christmas just fine and then in the early spring, the Cancer carousel handed me the golden ticket and that forced some changes. Between his plebe year 2nd semester finals and the end of his youngster cruise, I had a dozen surgeries and a fair number of hospital stays. . . and was trying to keep working so as to not die of boredom. Needless to say, I was absent from Annapolis for quite a while. I'm not sure how many weekends he rated as a 3/C but somehow, he and a roommate or two made it up to see ME and do yardwork that I couldn't at the time. Second Class year I did make it down a couple of times and continued that into the fall of 1/C year. Amazingly, in the spring of his 1/C year, I got a formal invitation to be the guest of honor and speaker at his Company Dining Out which was an amazing honor. I gave a talk on leadership and moral courage which was well received and I am still eternally grateful for the invitation.

Enough about me and our experience - remember that you do what is right FOR YOU.

NOTE: Full disclosure, the talk that I gave was eventually redone/recorded and is in use by the Stockdale Center at USNA.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Did they get to learn each other’s first names?

I find it amusing that during PPW, as the plebes roam around DTA and run into company mates, they greet each other almost exclusively by last name. Those are the labels used by the detailers, so why would the plebes be any different, I guess. I suppose they can learn first names when the ac year starts.

Things may have changed but the rule at USNA used to be that by the end of I Day, Plebes were responsible for (rated) knowing the First name and hometown of everyone in their squad AND the first name of everyone in their platoon. Considering that we'd spent most of the day running from one issue point to another and were not allowed to talk while in line, it was not an easy task. A year or so ago, I came across my original list that was written on a piece of packing paper from one of my uniform shirts.
Of course, this was one of the first of many "rates" that we were required to memorize.
.
Yes, we did often refer to each other by last names as well though as it was right there on nametags and stenciled onto clothes, etc.

 

[ParachutePanda]

I will say that when PPW rolls around and you hear your first name for the first time in weeks, it is definitely weird. I had to get used to introducing myself by my first and last name, not just Midn 4/C X

 

[Middle of nowhere]

Help For an out-of-Towner - we plan on doing a short trip before iday but spend Wednesday night in Annapolis. I see on the schedule that the Oath of office ceremony is in the afternoon.

Would you recommend staying that night as well or go ahead and hit the road out of town? Wasn’t sure time it takes to get back to the buses and emotional mess would just be to crash in Annapolis for that night as well. Or if we would need the hotel to run back and forth after drop of during the day.

 

[justdoit19]

Recommend spending the night, if possible. Hotel was important for us during the day. It’s nice to have a place to regroup, cool off, etc. Also, the emotional piece is a thing. And the buses DO take a while after the Oath. All good points!

For parents weekend, however, we dropped our Mid off Sunday, car packed, and hit the road. Although we had the Airbnb that night…bc we needed it for our day…we still took off to get back for work. I think I recall we dropped Mid off at 4. Maybe 5. And headed home.

 

[Capt MJ]

Help For an out-of-Towner - we plan on doing a short trip before iday but spend Wednesday night in Annapolis. I see on the schedule that the Oath of office ceremony is in the afternoon.

Would you recommend staying that night as well or go ahead and hit the road out of town? Wasn’t sure time it takes to get back to the buses and emotional mess would just be to crash in Annapolis for that night as well. Or if we would need the hotel to run back and forth after drop of during the day.

It will be an up-early, long, hot, humid, exhausting, mental rollercoaster day - and then you will be in a crowd of thousands of parents all exiting the Yard at the same time after you watch 1100-1200 plebes march into Bancroft after your brief farewell hug after the oath ceremony and speeches.

Treat yourself to a nice dinner, perhaps with newly-met plebe parents, and a restorative night’s sleep, then travel home.

 

[LST271]

Treat yourself to a nice dinner, perhaps with newly-met plebe parents, and a restorative night’s sleep, then travel home.

Yep. The last thing that I wanted to do after leaving the Yard on I-Day was to go home. We were exhausted.