Thoughts & Suggestions

There are five events you should plan to attend during the next four years.

Three occur during plebe year: I-Day (July), Plebe Parent’s Weekend (August), and Herndon (May).

The other two take place during their Firstie (Senior) year: Firstie Parent’s Weekend (September) and, of course, Graduation Week (May).

Each of these events are important ones for your mid. They are once in a lifetime experiences that will make you unbelievably proud to be the parent of a midshipman. You will never be able to listen to Anchors Aweigh again without a smile on your face and maybe a tear in your eye. I urge you to do your best to attend these five events. You won’t regret it.

• Buy a copy of the book Brief Points. You can purchase it in the midstore or have your mid pick one up for you. It holds a wealth of information ranging from definitions of words from the new language that your mid is learning to explanations about monuments on the Yard. It is a wonderful source of reference that you will find yourself using for the next four years.
• Start a scrap book or box. Even if you don’t get it into a book right away - start saving pictures, mementos, copies of the Trident, etc. You will be find that you will collect enough for a "Plebe Year Scrapbook" without any trouble at all. This year is the one with the most memories. Your scrap book will be a wonderful reminder of this important time in your family’s life.
• Herndon Climb... Get reservations early. This is the start of commissioning week and most Firstie's parents have already obligated for their rooms long ago.
• Videos...You may take your own, but it is difficult to get close enough for a real good show. You will also be contacted by a professional video company  (Thornton Studios) about purchasing a tape. $50 - $60 each.