FatProp

I know this has been done before but we are working out our family schedule for the summer.

Thanks!

WAMom68

I'm not sure what you mean by times. So if I am off base here, please clarify.

For R-day, your candidate will have a time to report based on the last digit of his/her SSN, between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. After your 90 second goodbye, family can spend the day touring West Point. Also, there will be informational booths set up for parents clubs, academy photo, etc. In the afternoon (not sure on exact time, I think it's 3 p.m.) there will be a parents briefing. Later, between 5 and 6 p.m. the new cadets will march to Trophy Point for the oath ceremony. During this time you might catch a glimpse of your new cadet.

For A-day the only official event is the acceptance parade at 10 a.m. on Sat., Aug 18th. After the parade the new plebes have duties to complete before they will be released to spend time with family. They will have to be back in the barracks at a set time in the evening. On Sunday, they will get most of the day to spend with family also, but may want to be back early to get started on their homework. Plebes usually only get walking priviliges for this weekend, which means they can't go far, basically Highland Falls area only. If you want the actual boundaries I can look them up for you.

One good source of information is prospective.net (after R-day you will be moved to plebe.net). You can find out how to register at this website:
http://www.west-point.org/parent/prospective-net/

Another good resource is your local West Point Parents Club. That is where I got much of my information.

FatProp

Thanks.

Anyone have any ideas best place to set up to see the march by on R day?

And on A day, where can one go to cheer them on in the march back from camp and then latter best sit eot set up a grill and picnic? Figure we might find some "orphans" so intending to bring enough bbq stuff to feed a group of cadets besides the family and our cadet.

mpn237

The R-Day parade is pretty quick. Last year, the New Cadets marched out from the barracks past the Supe's House and turned right on Washington Road to Trophy Point. They lined up in company order on the road facing Trophy Point to take the Oath. Company A marched out first and they are on the far right (their right) and H on the far left as they faced the river. Families and friends stood on both sides of the road, but if you stake out a spot on the Trophy Point side of the road, you may get a chance to see your cadet face to face. Keep in mind, that may be tough for your cadet. It was for ours.

When the Oath ceremony was completed, the New Cadets turned and marched away to dinner and parents filtered off to their cars and headed home.

The Marchback occurs early in Re-Orgy week in August. Families and members of the West Point community line the road all the way from Washington Gate to the Supe's house. Unfortunately, though, the A-Day parade doesn't happen until the following weekend. The cadets are kept really busy during Re-orgy, and there is no opportunity to interact with your cadet during the week. If you go to Marchback, be prepared to tour the region or find some way to occupy the four or five days while you're waiting for A-Day.

There will be lots of places on post to set up a grill and picnic on A-Day weekend, and you will be much appreciated for scooping up extra cadets whose families could not make it.

FatProp

Where can we find the date for the 'march back". I understand that they are changing the Beast so it is not a march back from the lake, but they are at another locale. Same place to welcome them being from Washington gate to Supe's House? Will a cadet appreciate seeing family on the march back or do you think they perfer to see you only on A Day? Still need idea as to best place to set up the bbq on A Day, I understand grills are allowed and p[icnics encouraged. What do you think most welcome food would be?

Mr.J

Any and all food. Of course we want to see our family, it's going to be stressful and we need someone as caring as you to be there if our parents can't make it. Thank you so much for your consideration.

FatProp

Well, any cadets who dont have parents visiting on A-Day will be welcome to come and eat all they can. Going to set up a grill. Just need to know best locale to set up - anybody have any suggestions?

futurewarrior

On a pontoon boat in the Hudson. Just kidding