Naval Academy I-Day Retired Uniform Question

Don’t know protocol, but what do you/dad want to happen?

I recall on our Iday in ‘18 seeing plenty of uniforms doing a private swearing in. Now THAT would be cool (pass the Kleenex). A retired USAF did my sons. He could not fit back into his AF attire, or he would have worn it. But many choose to don appropriately respectful suits (🙋‍♀️)/uniforms before the Oath.

Imo all day long woukd be too much. Toooo daaaang HOT. But changing in the hotel room, or car, before the Oath happened a lot.
 
fighterjetlover said:
Hello,
My dad and I were wondering if he should/can wear his navy uniform to Annapolis on I-Day. He is a USNA alumni and retired Captian. Thank you very much!
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There are many active duty parents in uniform around that day. I defer to a fellow retired captain, and would say if he is going to be giving you a private oath for family photo op purposes, summer white uniform is great. If he wants to be Just Dad, not be remembering to salute every 3 seconds snd being asked questions by parents who think he’s on staff, then no. Or - be casual and comfortable for drop-off, Mid Store shopping and hanging out at the Yard, then shower and change into unsweaty summer whites and return for private oath moment squeezed into post group oath last few minutes. As a retired veteran, he knows he can wear his uniform to military events and ceremonies.
 
Capt MJ said:
Or - be casual and comfortable for drop-off, Mid Store shopping and hanging out at the Yard, then shower and change into unsweaty summer whites and return for private oath moment squeezed into post group oath last few minutes
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Of course a retired CAPT knows he can wear the uniform, and many will make the decision on whether they can look good doing it !
Great suggestion about changing into Uniform right before the Induction Ceremony. I can't think of anything worse than wearing it around the Yard all day.

I had a Company mate whose dad was a Rear Admiral; he was like a chamelon during Graduation week; he could be hanging around in shorts as "just Dad" one minute, and minutes later show up in spotless uniform a few minutes later. He had uniforms for every event stashed in the 'Hall (I think he was using my classmates room, but never saw him!) . That might be tougher for father of a Plebe , whom I'm sure doesn't want to make waves or ask for favors -- but couldn't hurt to see if he knows someone stationed at USNA and use their office to change
 
Take a picture of a Plebe on Stribling or anywhere else with anyone on I-Day. Not a lot of actual smiles. But it is a great day to get as many photos as you can. Daughter said Coaches Were harder HS Varsity than Cadre I-Day. Go With The Flow
 
My son had I-Day in 2017. My parents drove from California to Annapolis to be there for him (My Father was a retired Navy Captain-Chaplain, in the Reserves). He wore his UNIFORM with so much Pride. Yes, it had to be altered. My dad was a BIG influence on my son, his only grandson, to apply for USNA. I have the most WONDERFUL picture of my Mom and Dad with my son in his Dixie cap and whites. My father gave him the Ceremonial Oath and only choked back the tears, once. My son had a huge smile on his face. My mother passed away in 2019, and my father, just 2 months ago. The pictures and video from that day are THE most important memories I have of my parents. IF you have the opportunity, do it. My father was too ill to attend Commissioning. My father was buried last month in full DRESS UNIFORM, in the National Cemetery in Dixon, CA (Sacramento Valley) with full Military Honors. My mother's remains were buried with him. My Ensign (in flight school in Pensacola) was in dress blues for both services, and a pall bearer for my Dad. The legacy lives on.
 
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