<p>We spoke to our son today. he would like for us to go to the 1600 parade this coming Friday. Fighting rush hour traffic on a Friday is not my idea of fun, but if this is important to him I guess we will go. Anyone else going?</p>
<p>If you live close enough to drive to KP, I'd go to the parade. Speaking from my experience last year when my son was a plebe candidate, he really appreciated the support. You will not see him up close and talk with him, but out of the corner of his eye he will see you and know you are there and it is priceless. You will be so proud!
Also, if you can splurge on the gas and put up with the traffic, try to make it to Chapel on Sundays. We live on Long Island and missed the first Sunday during Indoc because we thought it would be better for him and us if we cut those strings early. In his first letter home, he ended with "If you can, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE come to church on Sunday." The next week, we made eye contact from afar in the pews. The following week, we had about a 2 minute visit on the steps (he kept looking over his shoulder expecting to be called back to his company). I think I cried the whole time. Finally, they will be allowed to spend more time with you, so bring a favorite meal from home. My son looked forward to his bacon, egg and cheese on a roll. Last year, during the last week of Indoc, all the local parents brought breakfast items and shared with the plebe candidates...smiles all around! As a P.S....my son is a "B Split" and is on a RoRo in the Meditteranean Sea right now. He is applying all that he learned and is having the time of his life. Indoc really was not the hardest part of KP...in his 1st year, he had 2 roommates who were setback. Indoc will end, the academics will be a challenge and then you will have to say goodbye to your midshipman for months when they are out at sea. It will all be worth it in the end!</p>
<p>Thanks for your response! We live about 1 1/2 hours away (with light traffic) in New Jersey. If you had to choose between going to the Friday parade or church this Sunday, which one would you pick? Who knows, maybe we'll do both!</p>
<p>That is a tough decision...at the Indoc parade (and most parades for that matter) you will see your son from a distance, marching in formation with his company. It is amazing to see your plebe candidate in khakis the first time. Last year, we sat in the stadium bleachers and got some great pictures. Then we walked (quickly) across the field and watched him march out of the gate. He saw us there and tried really hard not to smile (they cannot break their serious mode). You might have an opportunity to see your son up close at Chapel on Sunday, if the DI's allow it. We definitely had more eye contact and got a smile and a thumbs up at Chapel and by the third Sunday (which will be next Sunday for your son) he was allowed to speak with us. (I can't guarantee that this year of course!) If it really matters to your son that you attend the parade, you should consider that, also. Either way, you are fortunate to live somewhat close to KP and all the plebe candidates will appreciate your show of support, either at the parade or church!</p>
<p>I would like to go to chaple services and hopefully catch a glimpse of my child. Do I just show up and tell them at the gate I am there for chapel services and they will just let me in?</p>
<p>Parade or Chapel? That's easy, Chapel...because after Chapel you will be able to talk for a few minutes at least. SlimeT, you enter the gate and tell them you are there for Chapel and you turn left at the Monument (O'Hara) and drive all the way around and park in the lot between Melville and Land Hall.</p>
<p>Note on the side....the Parade is generally shown live by broadcast on the main KP site so those friends and family who cannot attend can at least watch it. :)</p>
<p>Could you please tell me what to do to attend church services? Just show up and they will let me in? Can I bring food? Any tips, advice would be helpful.</p>
<p>Slim....I just found out that the parade will be shown on the Academy website (live video feed), don't have the link yet, but it will be posted on the Parent's page. Also, was told the Plebe Candidates will be able to sit with their parent's during chapel service this Sunday...as far as food goes, I'm not sure about that, but, I'll see what I can find out.</p>
<p>Does anyone have more info. on the parade? I know it is at 4:00 on the football field. How long does it last and anything else going on? I live a good 3 hour ride away and wouldn't mind making the trip but don't want to do it for a 10 minute parade.</p>
<p>Does anyone plan on attending either one? maybe we can meet up and go together. I live only 15 minutes away in Port Washington and am looking forward to both events even if I only get a glimpse of my daughter.</p>
<p>We plan on attending the parade. We would happy to meet you. Our son is in 4th company</p>
<p>I am so new to this and 2000 miles away. If you see a 4th company candidate, 6"5" and looking dazed it is my son and send good thoughts.</p>
<p>We will look for your son and wave! Our son is the 5'7" dazed candidate.</p>
<p>I realize it will be hard to find him, I think there are several tall guys in the company but wave to him anyways! Do you know when INDOC actually ends?</p>
<p>I'll be at Chapel this Sunday, not at the Parade. The Candidates will be handed over to their CTO's (Company Training Officers) this Sunday after dinner at which that point they become Plebe Candidates.</p>
<p>We'll be watching and waving from a distance. Anyone know the time the parade will be on the parent website? Wave to a 5'8" candidate in the 4th company for us!</p>
<p>It will be a live broadcast. They start a bit early so boot up a little before the actual start time.</p>
<p>Our son is 5' 8" and is in 4th Company 2nd Patoon. So watch who you are waving at!</p>
<p>I would hate for you to make a mistake :)!!</p>
<p>See ya,</p>
<p>CPASteve</p>
<p>To: Supersusan
Would your sons initials be rws? AND are you from Arizona? Our 5'7" dazed candidate has a roommate with these stats.</p>
<p>They all do look alike don't they CPASteve? When pictures come up we play"Is That Or Is That Not" around here! Don't mind waving to all, DS has to be there somewhere!</p>