Limit for I-Day

M

markv13

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Nov 30, 2016
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Is there a limit to how many people can accompany you to I-Day? Also around what time is the swearing in ceremony traditionally?
 
No, there is no limit. It is usually at 6 pm. Things wrap up pretty quickly around 7:15. Its a short visit window. The oath doesn't take that long. A few short speeches, oath for Plebes, oath for Detailers, Blue and Gold, find Mom & Dad for hugs. There are lots of threads right now on the USNA forum about I Day advice, might be worth digging around a little for info.
 
No limit..the Yard is open to the Public. (Maybe someone can weigh in on what happens in inclement weather). I saw it elsewhere on the Forum, and it bears repeating -- I Day is long and stressful. Some people may find that last final moments with family before SHTF comforting, others might prefer saying their goodbyes at home or when dropped off in the AM. Personally, I have never been good at goodbyes, and was happy when my parents dropped me off at the airport.
 
I can't believe that it has already been a year!!! I remember waiting hours out back of Alumni Hall for a quick glimpse of my DS as he boarded the bus for Mother B. After all the parents around me saw theirs, I finally was just about to give up and leave - wait, there is another group coming out - I might as well have a look. And lo and behold, there he was - head shaven, eyes in the boat, and walking briskly to the bus. Grabbed my Canon with telephoto and......got the shot. My favorite moment of the day was when we had a few moments with him after swearing in, he couldn't stop worrying about the time (from a DS who was, well, never on time). "Being on time is being late."

This forum contains loads of information on what parents can do and should bring on this great day. Good luck to all the incoming Plebes and parents - it is quite a day indeed.

almost....PLEBES NO MORE!!
 
Dadof2 said:
^^Both
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Just proof that not everyone has the same experience, whether it's through the application process, I-Day, Plebe Summer, academic year, etc. I can assure you, I will never, ever attach the word amazing to I-Day. But I don't begrudge those that do. There's a lot of good, valuable information and guidance here on this forum, but always keep in mind, you mileage may vary.
 
I-Day is often stressful for families. I think that most folks who went through it as a plebe find it one big blur at the time and remember very little of it years later. I'm sure this view is not universal but anecdotally it's what seems to be the norm.

There is very little for families/friends to do on I-Day and it can be very hot (or even wet). My suggestion is for parent(s) to drop off their kid in the morning and then they (with possibly siblings or others) for the Oath ceremony. There will be many opportunities over the course of the four years for family and friends to participate.
 
Lots of older threads on this subject. With the stress on both the plebes and parents it is generally NOT a good time to bring distant relatives/friends/neighbors along. As mentioned above, there is really not a lot to do once I-Day starts and it can be a very HOT/long day for everyone. Even if you were starting a civilian college, I really don't think that would be the right time to bring along a large group of distant relatives.
 
usna1985 said:
I-Day is often stressful for families. I think that most folks who went through it as a plebe find it one big blur at the time and remember very little of it years later. I'm sure this view is not universal but anecdotally it's what seems to be the norm.

There is very little for families/friends to do on I-Day and it can be very hot (or even wet). My suggestion is for parent(s) to drop off their kid in the morning and then they (with possibly siblings or others) for the Oath ceremony. There will be many opportunities over the course of the four years for family and friends to participate.
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I wonder if this has changed over time as we found a lot to do on I-Day, to the point we simply couldn't do it all. DH and I were both really glad that we didn't miss it. That was our first trip to USNA though, so your mileage may vary if you have been there for prior visits. And it helps that we had absolutely beautiful weather.
I will second though the idea that large groups are not a good idea. We asked DS his preference and he wanted it to be just the three of us. We really enjoyed that last bit of time together before Plebe Summer.
 
There definitely is more to do today than in my day. I suppose b/c I've seen it all so often, I can't imagine spending 10 hours on the Yard or walking out in town. I agree that, if it's your first time at USNA/in Annapolis, you might be well entertained while you wait. Good weather does make a lot of difference.
 
As I have said before DD on Stribling was exhausted but said Ice Hockey Coaches had yelled at her worse before but she appreciated the sandwich and the drink as they were too wound up to eat lunch. Don't forget the cheap picnic table spread for them to sit on so the White Works don't get grass stains. It was about 100 degrees on I-Day that year. I do remember those big doors closing as they marched in. See your's at PPW. Then listen to the Christmas Carols at the end of PPW.
 
Something that always comes to mind when I hear people asking about bringing a large group is a quip my mid said to me after about 3 months into the AC year his plebe year, " Its like we are animals in the zoo.... everyone is always watching us , even when its pouring rain"!! HAHAH
 
mjm said:
Something that always comes to mind when I hear people asking about bringing a large group is a quip my mid said to me after about 3 months into the AC year his plebe year, " Its like we are animals in the zoo.... everyone is always watching us , even when its pouring rain"!! HAHAH
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So true. While access is a little more restricted post 9-11 (there is a security check), there are always tourists in the Yard. Some of the comments you hear are priceless .... I once heard a mother tell her young daughter --"look, there is a girl one." as a group marched buy.
 
mjm said:
Something that always comes to mind when I hear people asking about bringing a large group is a quip my mid said to me after about 3 months into the AC year his plebe year, " Its like we are animals in the zoo.... everyone is always watching us , even when its pouring rain"!! HAHAH
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Thought the "zoo" was in another part of the country...;)
 
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