FLYING FLAGS AT THE NATION'S CAPITAL ON I-DAY.

Just a short note to let all the parent's know you can request that a US Flag be flown is your son/daugher's honor of the 1st Day of Service, July 1st, as they enter the Naval Academy. This is done through your local Congressman's office. You can access their web page and look for "FLAG REQUESTS". The flag can be flown at the Capital on that date, and when it is taken down, it will be sent to you for a keepsake for your midshipman.

If you have difficulty finding the link on their website, please contact their office and the receptionist should be able to assist you in your request.

We did this for our son, and the flag sizes differ along with the cost. It was wonderful when he came home for Thanksgiving and saw the flag and certificate that came with it.

Happy flags to you!

WOW! I Day. Thats great ! the reason he doesn't need to sign anything is b/c he is not in the active Navy he is really going to school. The US doesn't draft or use the kids at the Academy for defence at this time. Even in the Vietnam they only shortened some classes to three years and I think they only did that for one or two classes.
I-day is a long hot day: he checks in at his appointed time and then you don't see him till late afternoon.
Wear comfortable shoes lots of walking.

When we went 2004 we went to one speech by the supt. Picked up every map and piece of liturture I could. Joined our local parents club,-- you mostly spend your time trying to see your child but you don't. The best advice I got was I had a small cooler with ice and bottle water in it and a power bar for my Mid so when I saw him at Stribbing Walk at the oath that afternoon I gave him that he was hungry, stressed, and thristy. He guzzelled it done right there.

What to do well.... Go to the Chapel and look around and if there is a docent giving tours take one, very beautiful and lots of history.Go Memorial Hall and read about all our Past Navel heros, go to the Museum if is back open, to see the artifacts, take a beautiful stroll down to the town of Annapolis and have lunch. But don't be late for the Oath it is short and you only see your Mid for a few minutes. Apply for your parking passes if they still have them so in the next four years you can drive on campus.
What does your Mid take just the clothes on his back a change of underwear, running shoes, and his toothbrush. Meds if they have been approved, contact solution, Girls might have different stuff. he won't be able to use a cell phone( they lock them up) the first couple weeks. they give him paper and stamps Oh! a pen.

What is he doing! well that depends on how well your paper work is and if they have it all that day: If you have it bring a copy all his innoculation paper work stick it in his pocket so he can prove he doesn't need any more shots b/c they will give him shots if they don't have his records or they were sent late or misplaced or some such thing, eye test,. Getting his "book of rules" which he has to memorize over the course of the next few weeks, His laundry bag, sheets, blanket, room assignment, meet his detailer, have is glasses replaced with theirs, roomates, uniforms, shoes, hair cut, any paperwork that is incomplete.

He will give you back his clothes and anything else they deem he won't need for the first few weeks. He will be so busy and there is no down time what so ever in the next six weeks, he doesn't need much. Every free minute of which there are none he will be trying to sleep.

When we were there: He was able to make two phone calls have him try to write you and let you know when that is so you can be home to get it and it is for three minutes. no call backs.

If you are able try to return for Plebe Parent weekend, I would make your hotel resavation NOW you can always canx it later if your not able to return.

Good luck and try not to cry in front of your Mid and take a I-Day photo!

The next four years are a rollercoaster, your mid will want to leave several times try not to let them till cooler heads prvail and you all have a chance to revaluate, what the options are for you and him.

I made mine stay till sophmore summer the gave him the option to leave with all his credits, We had money issues that would have been difficult to reconcile if he left mid stream and without his transcript. He then stayed and thanks me all the time for it. But each Mid is different and leaving the Academy is not a failure it is a choice.

Have a great time try to take in a football weekend over the next four years, also if you can make it to Halloween Concert, Handels Massiah Christmas concert,Mens and Womens Glee club Concert, Brunch at the "Officers club" Stay at the officers club if you can some time, My husband love the Boxing Matches in Feb (just like the Movie) also go to 5:30AM phy trainning class oh! eat in King Hall what a hoot! Watch a Sailing Race, Parade,Army/Navy game go to a class with him when they let you.

AND ENJOY, my son says to this day it was the best decision he ever made.

Mrs J. Serafin

Our son recently received his permission to report packet and we did need to sign something as he will still be a minor when reporting. The packet contained TONS of great information on the Academy and I-day. If you've not received it by no it should be coming soon.