Appropriate attire

[Patty McEwan]

Hi, I have a question for you moms who have already attended boot camp graduation. My son graduates from boot camp in Chicago March 20. Any suggestions on what to wear. Thanks in advance!!!
Patty

[Sheila-NavyNeil'smom]

My son's graduation was a couple of years ago during the winter. We were dressed very nice, but the snow kind of took over our good looks. I saw people with everything from jeans to what looked like their Easter Bonnets. We sat on bleachers so it would be good to be comfortable. The highheels with the ankle straps might not be that great for this occasion although there were some of those,too. Whatever you do wear, just enjoy your baby!

[Lori]

Hi Patty,

We were just there in Dec. for PIR, we did see every kinda dress. I wore black pants, turtleneck and button up sweater. I think the most important things are comfortable shoes and layers. It was freezing outside, 14 below 0. Yeah, like I said freezing with a blizzard swirling around our heads. But after the hall started filling up with people you start getting a little hot, hence the layers. You do have a long time to sit and wait from the time you ge there and the time it starts.

[Paige (Will's mom)]

My son graduates the next weekend, March 27, he is Ship 6, Div 919. Anyone else have a child in his divsion? Thanks for the info on what to wear. We are from NC and March can be kinda crazy here, so I know it will be in Great Lakes. I have to say I am a little nervous about going, excited to see my son but nervous about getting to the base on time and we have a handicapped son and I know it will be a long walk and he is a little slow so any advice you can give will be most appreciated. How many tickets does each graduate get??? I have heard 3 and 4, does anyone know which is right?? Thanks for the help...

[Anita *** A.J.'s MOM ***]

When my son graduated, in Sept 07 he was given 4 tickets. They have to know everyones name, because you have to show an ID. You get a pass for your car. It takes quite a while to go through check in because they search everyones cars with dogs, etc. You should get all the info in the mail.

[Suzanne B (Andrew's mom)]

Patty:

Whatever you decide to wear, comfy shoes and layers would be most appropriate. You never know about Chicago weather and of course it's always windy there. You will be doing some walking so choose comfort over fashion where shoes are concerned. Good luck to your family. Your son will be very mature when you talk to him again. As they say, "they Navy puts the finishing touches" on our sons and daughters. Suzanne

[Debbie Brown]

We attended PIR in Sept and saw a llittle bit of everything including blue jeans ans sweats. I wore a black pants suit which made me look thinner in the pics with our special sailor after the ceremony! One thing though that is important is to wear comfortable shoes. There could be a lot of walking and standing around afterwards. Enjoy your time in GL.

[Bklyn Mom]

Congratulations Patty-my son graduates the 20th too. He is in Div 134. I thought business casual with a warm coat and comfortable walking shoes.

[Cindy from La.]

Hi Bklyn Mom! My son is in Div 134. You're the first mom I've connected with from his Div!

Have you gotten any mail? I got one letter. My letters have been slow to reach him.

I hope it's warm enough 3/20/09 that we won't have to bundle up too much.

[Heather]

I went last August... I dressed business casual. I had on black dress pants and a nice sweater and pearls. I had short dressy heals. I think that it is nice to dress a little nice since this is such a big day for them!!!! Lots of pictures will be taken!! I wouldn't wear high heel shoes... or anything uncomfortable since there is some walking involved and lots of standing.

Have fun and Congratulations! It is a very pride filled emotional day. I will never forget it!

[Fredericka]

Just go dress happy because it's a very proud moment dress comfortable and know the weather don't ever forget a video camera and don't go alone you'll want another eye witness to this joyuos occasion.I will never forget this day, but wished I had taken a camera, go Congrats, Enjoy.

[Staci (Just way proud)]

Hi Patty, A huge congratulations to you! I'd say definitely appropriate shoes....It is a bit of a walk, so definitley think comfortable!!!!! Let me just tell you a story. My mom came with me to our son's graduation, and she was so excited, and had found the cutest pair of shoes, she didn't care they weren't comfortable, she was going for cute. Well, cute got here all of our kleenex that we were going to use for graduation, stuffed in her shoes because her heels were bleeding so bad. She says she still has scars, but we get a good laugh out of it now! ....Moral of the story...go for comfy shoes. Cute is highly over-rated! :o)

[Cathy]

hi patty just got back - there were people in suits and dresses and heels but most men and a lot of women were in dress jeans and sweaters .. my sons girl friend wore layers and i think that is the best way to it. i wore boots my feet would have froze i made the walk but it s about 4 blocks not including the standing to get in and after its over... you know i could have cared less what anyone was wearing my eyes were on the ceremony... I will warn if you take your kids take enough for them to do as it is a lot of waiting and crying kids are not fair to a great ceremony