R-DAY for class of 2026

[JBirdP]

My son just got his nomination and accepted WP. This really came out of the blue and we are playing catch up big-time. R-Day is 6/27 and I am not sure about details as far as if his mother and I can take him and drop him off? We re 100% supportive and will be going just trying to ensure that its okay for us to take him and drop him off. I have watched/read the process of saying goodbyes just wasn't sure of the details prior. Sorry for the simple question and trying to get a room booked which leads to another question....any suggestions for a hotel that may be available?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[cluelesscandidateparents]

My son just got his nomination and accepted WP. This really came out of the blue and we are playing catch up big-time. R-Day is 6/27 and I am not sure about details as far as if his mother and I can take him and drop him off? We re 100% supportive and will be going just trying to ensure that its okay for us to take him and drop him off. I have watched/read the process of saying goodbyes just wasn't sure of the details prior. Sorry for the simple question and trying to get a room booked which leads to another question....any suggestions for a hotel that may be available?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Congrats to your DS

 

[DrMom]

Congratulations. Yes, you can take him and drop him off. He will get an early morning drop off time usually between 0600-0900 based on the last digit of his social security number. (this will come later). You are directed where to park, bused to a place to nervously stand in line, get a 30 second goodbye--and off he goes on his new adventure. Once you drop him off, you do not interact with him again...during a non-COVID19 year, you can wander around post, attend lectures and tours, shop sports & school attire, learn about your local parents club--which I absolutely recommend joining right now--(Also buy 'The West Point Moms Survival Guide' for your wife for Mother's Day--then you can read it too--you can order it from Amazon..
However at about 6 p.m., the new cadets march out onto the Plain for the Oath Ceremony...stay until the end, you can hear the door slam behind the last cadet. (During COVID19 years, it was a car side drop off and a web broadcast of the Oath Ceremony--you will need to hang out to see what the plan is for this summer.)

If you do not want to make two trips to USMA this summer--because you live in California or Guam or whatever, then go with A-Day over R-Day. You get to hang out with your kid on A-Day.

Also, join the official Facebook Class of 2026 class page--it is operated by the official West Point parent liaison (like her job is to communicate and answer questions). However, there is also an unofficial West Point Dads page and a West Point Moms page.

Hotel? We always stay at the Thayer, except for before R-Day...then we stay at the Hampton Inn Woodbury Common/Central Valley. Just over the mountain--about 15 minute drive. Also, the Holiday Inn Ft. Montgomery.

Congratulations and enjoy these last two months with your son.

 

[JBirdP]

Thank you for the congratulations and I can’t thank you enough for your response and advise.

This is nerve racking enough and this help.

Much appreciated.

 

[Wahoo Fan]

Congratulations!
I recommend that you work on getting the dental exam done and the dental form signed off (and getting wisdom teeth removed, if necessary). That was the most difficult piece for us before R-Day last summer.

 

[JBirdP]

I am glad you brought this up! He needs his wisdom teeth out and there should still be time.

Thanks for the advise!

 

[Walman888]

My son just got his nomination and accepted WP. This really came out of the blue and we are playing catch up big-time. R-Day is 6/27 and I am not sure about details as far as if his mother and I can take him and drop him off? We re 100% supportive and will be going just trying to ensure that its okay for us to take him and drop him off. I have watched/read the process of saying goodbyes just wasn't sure of the details prior. Sorry for the simple question and trying to get a room booked which leads to another question....any suggestions for a hotel that may be available?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Congratulations to the entire family! This is going to be a Summer you will never forget. But a great one. You'll get through it. WP has been at this for a long time and does it pretty well. Many parents and Cadets here will have much sound advice. R-Day is a big deal, but A-Day is bigger if you have to choose between trips to make. If you can, attend both. Enjoy the ride!

 

[JBirdP]

Thanks and we’ll attend both for certain. 13.5 hours away in the Midwest. We’ve all not really traveled east of Ohio so my wife and I will certainly make the most of the opportunity.

 

[prairie full moon]

Don't stress. You have plenty of time to get the items on the list checked off. I agree with DrMom about lodging. We really like the Hampton Inn in Woodbury/Harriman. The drive into West Point is fun because you drive down 293 and get to see where the cadets do their field training (keeping in mind that NY is heavily wooded). You see the signs and think "THIS is where *child* is." (Before you all scalp me, even as they grow to be adults, they are always our children. You know this.) USMA is beautiful.

This, like life, is aways one step at a time. Think ahead, act now.

Congratulations!

 

[prairie full moon]

Thanks and we’ll attend both for certain. 13.5 hours away in the Midwest. We’ve all not really traveled east of Ohio so my wife and I will certainly make the most of the opportunity.

We are a bit farther into the Midwest (19 hours to West Point). We have driven for every trip. As we drove for R-Day, all the flags were waving...now I have a little bit of a heart prick every time we go.

Due to family logistics, I drove DS to R-Day with his brother as my wingman (mixed metaphor - I know, what is the Army equivalent? battle buddy, I think). And the boys played their music...now when I hear one of those songs, heart prick.

DS loves West Point. There have been tough times and growing opportunities. Still loves it. Hates it at times too. Wouldn't leave for anything.

Enjoy your time with your son. Every moment.

 

[UHBlackhawk]

My only addition.
Hotels. For R-Day closer is better.
For A-Day, your Cadet may want to get away so something farther might be better, or an Airbnb where they can relax without worrying about being spotted, such as at a hotel.
For graduation, start looking once they affirm, but don’t wait too long. If you want the Thayer even earlier than that.

 

[GardenStateOfMind]

...For A-Day, your Cadet may want to get away so something farther might be better, or an Airbnb where they can relax without worrying about being spotted, such as at a hotel...

Good insight. What's the milage limit a cadet can travel on A-Day? I believe last year it was highly restricted due to COVID. Hopefully it opens up a little this year.

 

[prairie full moon]

Good insight. What's the milage limit a cadet can travel on A-Day? I believe last year it was highly restricted due to COVID. Hopefully it opens up a little this year.

Last year was the 5 mile walking privileges due to covid. In the normal years, it has been 75 miles. As the year progressed, the events often were publicized as 5 mile walking privileges to be expanded to the 75 mile radius as the event neared. It is a case of be flexible, plan accordingly, don't get stressed. I expect more of this behavior from them.

 

[ALF648]

@JBirdP Last year we stayed at a chain hotel in Peekskill - very easy 20 minute drive. Dropped our DS off at 6am on Day 3 and we were driving off post at 6:05. It's a very efficient process. Feel free to DM if you want to ask questions

 

[USMAZoo98]

The hotels in Fort Montgomery/Highland Falls tend to fill up quick around the big dates and are quite expensive. The Hampton in Central Valley also falls into that trap. I would recommend checking out what is in Newburgh to the north or Nanuet to the south. We always stay down in Nanuet. Hotels are right off the Palisades Parkway and only a 30 minute drive to Thayer Gate.

 

[DDmom]

My only addition.
Hotels. For R-Day closer is better.
For A-Day, your Cadet may want to get away so something farther might be better, or an Airbnb where they can relax without worrying about being spotted, such as at a hotel.
For graduation, start looking once they affirm, but don’t wait too long. If you want the Thayer even earlier than that.

I enjoyed being at the Thayer for Rday. No worries about getting on post or anything other than making a really peaceful night for our daughter before the rigors of Beast. ADay an AirBnB would have been nice. Somewhere close and with a pool would be great. They will appreciate home cooking and being able to relax. If they are in public on ADay weekend they have to be in uniform. That means no hotel pools, etc.... Make your hotel reservations now if you want to stay close at any of the big events over the next year. These events include: Family weekend and Plebe Parent Weekend. Also if you plan on going to the Army/Navy game look into hotels in Philly, if you book now they might even still be refundable.

 

[usma2021]

Congratulations. Yes, you can take him and drop him off. He will get an early morning drop off time usually between 0600-0900 based on the last digit of his social security number. (this will come later). You are directed where to park, bused to a place to nervously stand in line, get a 30 second goodbye--and off he goes on his new adventure. Once you drop him off, you do not interact with him again...during a non-COVID19 year, you can wander around post, attend lectures and tours, shop sports & school attire, learn about your local parents club--which I absolutely recommend joining right now--(Also buy 'The West Point Moms Survival Guide' for your wife for Mother's Day--then you can read it too--you can order it from Amazon..
However at about 6 p.m., the new cadets march out onto the Plain for the Oath Ceremony...stay until the end, you can hear the door slam behind the last cadet. (During COVID19 years, it was a car side drop off and a web broadcast of the Oath Ceremony--you will need to hang out to see what the plan is for this summer.)

If you do not want to make two trips to USMA this summer--because you live in California or Guam or whatever, then go with A-Day over R-Day. You get to hang out with your kid on A-Day.

Also, join the official Facebook Class of 2026 class page--it is operated by the official West Point parent liaison (like her job is to communicate and answer questions). However, there is also an unofficial West Point Dads page and a West Point Moms page.

Hotel? We always stay at the Thayer, except for before R-Day...then we stay at the Hampton Inn Woodbury Common/Central Valley. Just over the mountain--about 15 minute drive. Also, the Holiday Inn Ft. Montgomery.

Congratulations and enjoy these last two months with your son.

DrMom, your note still got me choking up! Thank you!

 

[DrMom]

DrMom, your note still got me choking up! Thank you!

Thank you so much @usma2021 what a sweet thing to write. As delighted as we are to see our children thrive, that Mission Accomplished moment is such a heartbreaker in its own way.

All the best to the class of 2026 and their moms & dads who love them.