<p>Etiquette - found several definitions - </p>
<p>Oxford Dictionary:
etiquette
/ettiket/
• noun **the code of polite behaviour in a society. **</p>
<p>Merriam-WebsterMain Entry: et·i·quette<br>
Pronunciation: ˈe-ti-kət, -ˌket\
Function: noun
Etymology: French étiquette, literally, ticket — more at ticket
Date: 1750
: **the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life **</p>
<p>Folks - what it all boils down here is manners and common sense. Everyone at I-Day or R-Day is on the same team. That is the team to witness a new class of plebes taking the first step. You may not see your child but you will see somebody’s child.<br>
The problem with advising good manners and common sense is that people rarely see themselves as being out of line. Think: The Golden Rule - this applies.
If your 12 year old son is 6 ft tall and standing in front of someone’s mother, instruct him to not block the view. If you bring your whole town with you - they should not stake out seats and prevent other parents from viewing the oath of office.
No one’s new cadet or plebe reporting is more special than the other. If you see a new cadet or plebe who appears to be alone - ask if they are alone, give them a pat on the back and wish them well.
Make sure that those around you are afforded the same courtesy that you would extend to your own family member.
Do not embarrass yourself, your family members or your new plebe.
Don’t do anything that will cause you to make excuses for bad behavior later.
Some parents will have a good view and others will perhaps struggle to see - regardless, you are there to take in the moment for what it is. The academies do a good job of posting pictures and even video online.
USMA runs a streaming video of the oath and it think all the academies post pictures throughout the day.
Relax, be proud of your child and all the other kids as well and have FUN!!</p>
<p>mom3boys - you are excused - LOL.</p>