<p>We arranged with our MOC to get a flag that was flown over the US Capitol on I-Day. The cost varied depending on type of flag but the cost was not significant, perhaps $25. The flag came with a certificate to our Plebe recognizing the beginning of his military career and in honor of his induction into USNA. It is a beautiful memento of the occasion. I know that some have made arrangements to have a flag for graduation but we thought that this was an important day for him to remember. We bought a beautiful flag case with inlaid stars and an engraved plaque indicating that the flag was flown over the US Capitol on I-Day and the date. I send this message out now since it takes time to make the appropriate arrangements with your MOC. We did not tell our Mid about the flag but presented it to him at Christmas following his induction.</p>
<p>USNAmom...what a lovely idea, thanks for sharing.</p>
<p>Good job for bringing this up USNA Mom! We did that for our Plebe as well. It flew over the capital building on July 9th 2005 and came with it's own certificate. Its a great keepsake! At USMMA, the kids needed their state flags to hang in their hall for a spirit mission. My son was given another one during a welcome picnic by our parent's assoc. during that summer before he went so that one is with him now. Might be a good idea to get one for the keepsake and another in case you need to send it for some sort of function. Really a good good idea for parents to start thinking about. It does take time. Hats off to you for thinking of sharing that!</p>
<p>$25? how many flags do they fly every day?</p>
<p>They will raise and lower as many flags as necessary based on the requests for that date. Each flag may be raised for only a brief time.</p>
<p>Taffy-They told us that the flags fly for about 15 minutes if they have a long list for the day you request and they fly for a longer period of time if the list is short. Here is an example of what to go look for on your Senator's web site. This is ONLY an example and you cannot use this form if you are not from South Carolina. Check with your nomination source. They are usually more than happy to help as well.
Example:
<a href="http://lgraham.senate.gov/pdf/NewFlagFormFeb2005.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://lgraham.senate.gov/pdf/NewFlagFormFeb2005.pdf</a></p>
<p>USNA mom: may I ask what size flag you requested, and if you have any ordering information on the flag case? Sounds like a wonderful way to mark the day!</p>
<p>We ordered the 5 x 8' cotton flag. This is the link for the flag case that we ordered: <a href="http://www.woodflagcases.com/flag-cases/mapletri.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.woodflagcases.com/flag-cases/mapletri.html</a>. I have to say that this is an incredible piece of workmanship and something that makes the flag gift something very special. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Actually, at least on the House side, they have a number of poles above the House Chamber (pretty much out of sight) and they raise and lower them as fast as they can get them up and down.</p>
<p>USNAmom- thanks for the info! Sounds like a wonderful memento for a once if a lifetime occassion!</p>
<p>I know that this is one great "momfest" of a thread . . . just remember two things:</p>
<p>I-day is relatively insignificant in your mid's life. Just eight months later, I can tell you that it really is not discussed that much. Too much water has passed under the bridge since then.</p>
<p>It is just the BEGINNING! The plebe hasn't accomplished much on that day. Graduation? That's a different matter. In addition, consider that some will not make it and then what do you do with the flag, the announcements, the parade, the videotape of the local television interview. It is just the BEGINNING!</p>
<p>Do you really think your son/daughter will pull out his flag ten years from now and say proudly: "This flag flew over the Capitol on the day I was inducted to the Academy" What day do you recall from early schooling? Your first day of first grade or the day you graduate?</p>
<p>Sounds like "Mom's Gone Wild" to me.</p>
<p>Our WP parent club in the past, arranged for flags flown on graduation day, for those who wanted one. Not something they do every year...</p>
<p>Ha ha cynical Bill strikes again...but I have to agree with him. I have told the story before of the cadet who left on R-day! It happens.</p>
<p>I also have to confirm that the flags that fly over the capitol are up there for brief seconds. I am a former congressional assistant who processed many of these orders. </p>
<p>I would recommend lots of tissues for the moms, sisters, grannies, and sometimes even the dads! First day(whatever you call it) is emotional indeed. </p>
<p>Quote: Sounds like "Mom's Gone Wild" to me. That's a video I'd like to see...yikes!</p>
<p>I have beads!!!!</p>
<p>From time to time, the dads need to speak up! Since the political wars lead to useless pontifications [Pontificate: v to express opinions in a dogmatic way; talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner. We all know there are some real pontifical dogs on these threads], might as well keeps the moms in line.</p>
<p>"Moms Gone Wild" hmmm. . . there might be some money that! Especially with some MILLs [substitute love for the other].</p>
<p>Okay, JM, OM, USNAM, etc. how about posting some pictures like the kids have done on that picturebucket site?
We will be taking applications for MGW video.</p>
<p>HA HA BEST ONE YET BY BILL...for the pics or video don't forget MOT, Navy2010, ha ha I have seen her and JM live or in pics...WOW! HA HA LMAO...</p>
<p>MILLS...good one! IF YOU DON'T GET IT PM BILL OR ME...HA HA HA</p>
<p>I suppose you could buy a flag at Walmart and then just tell your son/daughter that it flew over the Capitol on I-day. Would have about the same meaning.</p>
<p>Thank you Boss51. [I note that we joined CC about the same time and you have almost 3x the posts; guess I have some catching up to do.] Thus, time for my Friday [sometimes thought of as Monday] * prognostications [n. *a statement made about the future]: I-day is an emotional event that is truly "once in a lifetime" but it sure seems as if some overemphasize it. </p>
<p>Your son/daughter needs to make it through the summer and the first year; THAT is an accomplishment. Walking in the doors is easy. * [Well, based on Boss's story, not so easy for some!] *</p>
<p>Your plebe will have enough to worry about * [who is it that anticipates 20 (!) plus family members to attend I-day?]* without having to worry about the impact it would have on family, friends, etc. if he/she does not make it. * [And there will be plenty enough doubt about his/her ability to make it through from time to time.]*</p>
<p>My God Bill0510 - You've been reborn! Welcome back!</p>
<p>"Moms gone wild" is pretty funny, I will admit. Let's just keep in mind one little thing....if it wasn't for the moms of the world, none of us would have a single memento of our childhood, school years, etc. I surely haven't met too many dads that have made the effort to save some of those fun things that represent some of the most significant moments in their children's lives. I am sure that there are a few out there....but not TOO many. I love to look back at some of the things from my early years that my mom managed to tuck away for me to have one day. To each his own.</p>
<p>usnamom~ you go girl!!</p>
<p>Now Bill~ you know very well a flag form Wallmart would be unethical!! What if someone slipped water into your martini- just not the same thing now, is it??? (and yes, today is FRIDAY......just in case you get screwed up again....;) )</p>
<p>Laugh all you want out there guys- don't forget that we know where you live! We gals all know the guys have no appreciation for the finer things in life- as USNA mom said, it's us "moms" that keep those kindergarden drawings, and the clay handprints, and the homemade valentines cards- forever! Betcha your mom's still have yours tucked away somewhere too! And yes, I will be getting that flag for I-day....and maybe even another for Hendron and Plebes 'no more......and maybe one when Navy Lax wins the NCAA's.....and hopefully one in 2010! And I will hang them proudly from every window of the house....and we have 55 of those....</p>
<p>Or maybe I will give one to each of the now "27 Friends and Family of the Torpedo Fan Club" traveling to Annapolis for I-Day (and yes Bill, that is me)......</p>
<p>so you cranky 'ole farts better leave us moms alone to do our mom-thing.....</p>
<p>consider me a "mom gone wild and proud of it".....i think! ;)
(ps....hey Bill- bettcha still have an old school jersey around that you can't part with- I know Boss has one- caught him wearin' it!!!) LOL!!!!</p>