<p>Wife and I just returned from July 4th (on July 3rd) celebration at West Point. (we live 50 miles south). The New Cadets marched into the Trophy Point amphitheatre by company. There was a flag ceremony with a cadet from each State carrying their State flag in the order they joined the Union. USMA Concert Band played a selection of pieces - 1812 overture, medley from Oklahoma, etc. Then there was a spectacular fireworks display over the Hudson. The New Cadets, for those of you who've returned home from R-Day, looked very good - they were wearing hats, were allowed to wear their own personal glasses (instead of what my son calls the Birth Control Goggles), and they looked sharp marching in to their place in front of the band. They looked serious but not too grim. Tired but not exhausted. Weather was perfect.</p>
<p>BG,</p>
<p>Thanks so much for posting this. Until that first letter or phone call, my curiousity is just killing me. I've been devouring the pix on the memory pages. </p>
<p>We were expecting/hoping that there would be something special going on for the 4th and that the new cadets would have a "pause" in order to celebrate. Did you get a glimpse of your son?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, we didn't see him. The companies came in on two different paths and we positioned ourselves on the "wrong" one. I think the concert/fireworks were a real break for them.</p>
<p>BigGreen:</p>
<p>Thanks for the vistors report. Sorry you didn't get to see your son.</p>
<p>Bet the new cadets appreciated the chance to dump the BCG's. Although our son looked great in his BCG's, the other cadets looked pretty dorky( a parent's love is blind).</p>
<p>Like you momoftwins, I have spent more time than I want to admit searching the memory pages. Think I am qualified to work with army intelligence reviewing satelite photos.</p>
<p>Fortunately we found several shots of our son. What surprised me was how an ear, lip or chin could verify our son's identity.</p>
<p>Take care all. We have begun a tradition at our house of including all the new cadets in our daily prayers. I know they are in good hands at WP, but a little extra help can't hurt.</p>