how to find my son at graduation?

[gracem80]

At the ceremony for my son's graduation from RTC, is there anything he and/or I can do to make finding each other in the large crowd of friends, family members and new sailors much easier and faster?

[Anti M]

You will sit in front of his division, you may recognize him or not ... but you can't bring anything like a big sign. So not like you can say, "I'm the one with the balloons".  Telling him what color you're wearing wont' help.  Naw, you'll see each other and it will only be a matter of a few short minutes.  Don't overthink this.   So, no, not really, but it won't be very long and is part of the excitement.  

[JessicaB-Sailor Mom]

When is he scheduled to graduate? There is a PIR group that will offer you lots of info and support.

[ebigirl]

My son had us picked out instantly after they marched in, and we saw him right away also. Yes, they all look alike for sure. The thing that helped us was that his division was the first one in!! We were sitting right in front of his division. It all just comes together in the end. Don't loose any sleep over it! Have a great time. :-)

[singlelady]

let me just say how wonderful it was at the graduation...first go as early as you can...you will sit on metal like bleachers so bring something soft to sit on...someone had told me to sit on top of the bleacher to have the wall to lean on but i'm afraid i would not have seen my son as well...so i was on the very bottom and the view was awesome!!  getting there early makes for a long morning but it was so worth it...you can get up and walk around for a bit before the actual ceremony....they did have seat cushions they were selling but they sold out quick...like someone else said you find your son/daugh div number and sit in the bleachers right in front of that number...i have to say that two people passed out in the div next to my son's and it made me so sad, my son told me they were told to NOT stand with their knees locked, but slightly bent...please remind your sailor to do the same...the ceremony was amazing and not as long as i expected, no long drawn out speeches or anything, the drum routines were my favorite...the day of our graduation it was extremely windy and a lil cool...this weather condition will depend on what time of year you go of course...when the div could fall out i nearly fell getting off those bleachers to get to my son but i didn't care i just wanted my hug and touch him!!!  i still tear up now just writing all this, you will never forget this day!!  our pics were taken outside so the hair was a blowin and it was cloudy but who cares!!  you will have a walk over to a building that holds their graduation pics so bring money to pay for pics, frames and anything else they offer in this area...i was told the pic payment would come out of their pay checks but this was not so...so be prepared to pay...i really don't know what else to tell you but it was just wonderful and made me so proud, when that huge door opens up and they start marching in you just get goose bumps all over, i was weeping and whaling so hard and loud i was thankful that the crowd was going wild around me so i could not be heard!! LOL!!!  enjoy this day and if you have any more questions i'll try to help...it's a GLORIOUS DAY!!!!

[suzart37]

I can't wait!!!!!

[BunkerQB]

Are you kidding me? Trust me, gracem80. You'll be able to spot a familiar ear lobe within miles. Relax and have a great time. Make lots of memories.

On photos & dvds. The recruits have an opportunity to order the pics and dvds PRIOR to PIR. Parents and loved ones can't order anything through the Exchange until after PIR either at the Exchange in person (long lines) or by fax.  Dvds sell quickly is what I hear.  Talk to your recruit - ask him to order as much as he can - offer to reimburse him/her.

[singlelady]

i came home with a re-order form, so if for some reason you don't get enough you can always order more when you get home...my son ordered the largest package and it was great because his dad and i had to share, it worked out well...i did order more for family once i got home and they say it will take about 4 wks to receive...there are frames there as well...try to get the one with the sailors creed on it, its beautiful! :) i'll say again what BunkerQB said...RELAX AND ENJOY!!!

[BR549]

You'll spot your sailor - Believe me when those doors come open and they march in, you will find them instantly!  and yes IT IS GLORIOUS!

 

[Beth'sMom2.0]

You know I think it must be a mom thing that can spot their kid a mile away. I attended bootcamp about 1 month before one of my brother did...I had short hair and Birth control glasses on...his head was shaved. We marched past each other one day (I was in a small group of 3 and he the same). We were not allowed to talk to the opposite sex and geez especially marching. But we both stopped our group after we passed each other by about 5 feets. Not looking at each other we both said our first names outloud into the air. It was a scene I will never forget till my dying days. I loved it. I ran into him again later in the chow hall. We spoke briefly in there as it was so noisy we could get away with it.

I think mom's see movement of their kids and know them instantly. My parents had no problem finding me.

Next month I am going with my BFF to see my god-daughter graduate...I am not worried...you shouldn't either. Or just wear a really bright big bow on your head (just kidding).