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

[Barb (Ryan's Mom)]

Our sons PIR was Jan 15th. As everyone else said....Dress casual but neat, people were in all types of clothes,and yes wear comfortable shoes....you do walk quite a bit, and you never know how the weather will be...It was -15 with a wind chill of -40!!! I"m sure the weather has to be better in March...Congrats to you and your soon to be sailor!

[Ann]

Anything that is comfortable. It is a wonderful time and place. Take alot of pictures and tissues. Be proud!

[diane {Shawns mom}]

well mel has it "covered"
xooxoxo

[Janice Boggs]

My son graduated last October. It was the most wonderful thing to watch and be a part of that I cried the whole time. I was very fortunate that my son graduated in the top 12 and I had a very good seat. Do where something very comfortable. You will love every minute of it.

Janice Boggs

[sara boling]

you can wear anything you want. not strict at all. but of course you want to look your best for your Sailor!

[Laura Person]

just make sure you dress warm, it's in a big building and can still be pretty cold in March.
take lots of kleenex cause you will cry, it's such a moving experience, I've been to 3 of them and I cried each time
the men and woman give such a wonderful presentation.

[Jeanna Oxford]

When my son graduated I wore very casual clothes. It was hot, even in Chicago. It was in July. Wear something bright, so he can see you in the stands. My son picked me out almost immediately. Take plenty of kleenex....you will need them! You will be so very proud when his division comes in. The ceremony itself was about an hour.

Jeanna

[Suzann]

Hi Patty,
Just returned from Boot Camp Graduation 2/13/09. Dress is Casual.
Slacks and blouse works ,men Golf shirt and kakis. Wear comfortable walking shoes, you'll have a bit of a stroll. Also you will be sitting on alumium bleachers for about and hour.
It was fun and be sure to cheer extra loud for your state.
Be sure to eat at Big Ed's BBQ on Martin Luther King Blvd....great food.

[Geannette Vermedahl]

Hi Patty,
I suggest comfortable shoes. Alot of walking. Dress just nice and comfortable not fancy, fancy. You'll be going places afterwards with him. You can always change if you go somewhere fancy. It will probably be cold still. But they love to go shopping and Gurnee MIll mall is great. Lots of restraunts, may I suggest Wildberrys for breakfast. Besat place I have ever been to, best service and price. Not too much to do but the Navy pier is awesome. There is a Bubba Gump shrimp Co. reastraunt there. Fun, a little pricey but good. If you need any other info just ask. My name is Geannette and my son just finished A School in Port Hueneme and is in Little Creek, VA now. He is a CMCN2 there. He works with the amphibious crew. He loves it. He is basically a Diesal Mechanic. Take Care, Geannette

[Jammie]

Patty - I'm not sure what Division your son is in, but if he happens to be in Division 128, please join our Group. We share stories about our kiddos and even get info from each other about something that everyone wants to know. So far, most of the moms in there are "daughters" moms. I happen to be one of 2 Moms with sons in the Division. So come join us if you like. There is so much useful information and also an opportunity to vent, cry, get info, share your calls/letters, etc. Either way, good luck with your Son and congrats.

http://www.navyformoms.com/group/ship7division198012009

[Marcia J Hall]

Hi Patty,
My daughter graduated in the middle of those snow storms in Great Lakes IL in December; most people were still dressed in business casual. I actually wore a red jumper (with a white & blue snowman sweater) that I knew my daughter would recognize so as to pin point us in the crowded stands!
Marcia

[Janelle]

I had a child graduate several years ago and I remember walking A LOT! I would not plan on wearing heels, but, would dress as for a business meeting or possibly church type attire. This is a very special occasion and should be treated as such.