March back 8/14/2017

Dad of 2

Dad of 2

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Jan 29, 2016
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I have been doing some searching and haven't had any luck finding info about the new cadets marching back. Our DD will (hopefully) be marching back on 8/14/2017. I know we cannot communicate or interact with them during this time; however, I am wondering if anyone has gone out and done this?

My tentative plans are to go WP 8/13/2017 watch them (and hopefully see our DD) march back to WP. Then go home later in the day on 8/14/2017 and then go back out 8/18/2017 for A Day. We already have our plans in place for A Day. I'm thinking of adding another trip out to WP for march back.

If someone can give suggestions of where to stand/sit, etc. I would appreciate it.
 
I went last year and met many parents there. The cadets marched back through Washinton Gate. Last year, I parked by the cemetery. If you are new to the post, there is a strip mall sort of area near the cemetery and the parking lot there does not require any special permit. There is a Starbucks, a Subway and MWR gym near by. When exiting the parking lot, with the cemetery on your left side, you may walk/sit along the sidewalk. Many people did that last year. The March back was supposed to start at 10:00 but I would give about a 20 minutes window for extra wait time. You can sit across the Fire station or in front of the cannons at Trophy Point if you'd prefer a bigger finale. The March ends in front of the superintendent's quarter.

You will hear the West Point Band, see the mules, then the new cadets. You may wave or shout your new cadets'name when you see their company approaching. Please do not run into the formation. When in doubt, ask. People on post are usually very helpful and supportive.
 
So it looks like they'll march out of Camp Buckner at the crack of dawn to start the ruck back to WP on 14 August?
 
USAFDep said:
So it looks like they'll march out of Camp Buckner at the crack of dawn to start the ruck back to WP on 14 August?
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Yes, they start the march back at zero dark thirty on the morning of August 14th from Camp Buckner. The actual route is not released but they rest at the ski slope and then change from a tactical formation to a unit formation for the last two miles to the cadet area.
 
Last year was my first year there and I saw the plebes cheered and supported each other during the last leg of the march. It made my eyes watered just a bit. I wore sunglasses to the sandhurst this year so nobody would notice what an emotional person I can be.
 
Elisabethromy said:
Last year was my first year there and I saw the plebes cheered and supported each other during the last leg of the march. It made my eyes watered just a bit. I wore sunglasses to the sandhurst this year so nobody would notice what an emotional person I can be.
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My old grad kicking in here. They aren't "plebes" until A-day as they remain New Cadets (NC's) until the end of re-organization week, the week after Beast ends. That said, this is one of the cooler events to watch from the outside and be a part of and marks a huge accomplishment for them. I had even more pride walking back as cadre than I did as a NC because I knew how much work each of my NC's had put in to get to that point in their very short, but already eventful, Academy experience. Good luck to all the NC's who are joining the Corps this year. It'll be a fun time.
 
We live 4 1/2 (land speed record) hrs away from USMA. I did not attend #1's March Back--it is a big trip to try to see the boy walk by. I spent four years unable to find him in a single photograph. For #3 I made the same decision, although #1 is going to fly in to do March Back with his littlest brother as the youngest Old Grad. Having not given it a lot of thought or done any research, I was surprised to learn that there are many Old Grads for whom this is an annual event and that for the Old Old Grads, they can join the March Back near the ski slope for a slightly shorter walk.
 
That is fantastic that your boys will get to march together! Yes, some of the more ‘local’ Old Grads do March Back every year. It’s sort of a mini-reunion for them. Many of the Old Old Grads march all the way from Buckner too. The Buckner option fills up quickly, and it’s not just the younger ones! They are an impressive bunch.

The Long Gray Line marches on……
 
DrMom said:
We live 4 1/2 (land speed record) hrs away from USMA. I did not attend #1's March Back--it is a big trip to try to see the boy walk by. I spent four years unable to find him in a single photograph. For #3 I made the same decision, although #1 is going to fly in to do March Back with his littlest brother as the youngest Old Grad. Having not given it a lot of thought or done any research, I was surprised to learn that there are many Old Grads for whom this is an annual event and that for the Old Old Grads, they can join the March Back near the ski slope for a slightly shorter walk.
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There is a group of OLD grads (60's and early 70's) from my neck of the woods who do this every year. They make a point of tracking down every NC from our area and checking on them to provide encouragement for reorgy week, and to send photos to parents. They are a dear group of men.
 
I wonder if my cadet ran into one of these men last year @another13mom . On the day of MarchBack, we received a photo text from a number we did not know. It was of our son holding the US flag during a portion of the march (it's my understanding that they trade off marching with the flag). Oh what a gift! Have no idea who sent it, but it was clearly from an OG who was on the march with the new cadets.
 
My #3 New Cadet was spotted by an adult somewhere on post last week who saw his last name and said, "INSERT-LAST-NAME, Your older brother is carrying the guidon during March Back." So much for surprises. I hope someone takes a picture of the two brothers.
 
[/QUOTE]
There is a group of OLD grads (60's and early 70's) from my neck of the woods who do this every year. They make a point of tracking down every NC from our area and checking on them to provide encouragement for reorgy week, and to send photos to parents. They are a dear group of men.[/QUOTE]

What a cool thing to read. Bless these people and our children!
 
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