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Make
a schedule for each day:
Commissioning
Week can be extremely busy or somewhat relaxed depending on
what you decide to do and the length of time you plan to be
in Annapolis. It varies from family to family.
The USNA web site
will have a
Commissioning Week schedule (sample),
including general information, parking
and guidelines for attire.
Either forward or provide hard copies. Many activities are
listed that may or may not pertain to your Mid
and/or your family. It can be
confusing for even the most seasoned military individual.
Either highlight
activities of interest or prepare
a separate schedule for each day (sample). At the top of each day
type in the day and date (for instance, Monday, May 26). Be sure to include times and locations of the Drydock Restaurant and Mid
Store hours. Provide a copy to
everyone in your party and post one on the fridge/hotel door.
Consider saving the schedules for a scrapbook, including
photos from the events of the day.
Making your own
schedule includes activities that only pertain to your
group. Include cell phone numbers
and hotel/house telephone numbers for everyone in the party in case someone
gets separated, lost or sick. If you have
reservations for a specific restaurant, include the name,
address, directions and phone number. Consider adding
items to bring for each
event, for instance, folding chairs, bottled water,
blankets, a hat, sunscreen, etc.
Maps:
Provide a map of
the Yard to everyone in your party, particularly to those
that have never been to the Naval Academy. It might be a
good idea to highlight the locations of the bathrooms and
shady resting places. Free USNA maps are available in the
Visitor's Center.
Buy at least one
road map of Annapolis. The free map provided by the
Annapolis Tourism Center is nice, but it is not to scale and
does not show all the streets. You may want to buy a map to
all those with cars in case they get lost or want to attend
an event separately. If you get stuck in a traffic jam on
graduation day, a good road map will provide alternate
routes.
Alternate routes to
Navy Marine Corps Stadium (map)
With possible traffic congestion, here are alternate routes
to the Marine Corps Stadium:
From Hwy.
50/301, take West Street towards Annapolis. turn left on
Taylor Avenue which will take you to the southeast end of
the stadium. Almost everyone else will take the Rowe Blvd.
exit, which will have a huge backup.
Take the West
Street/Generals Highway North (away from Annapolis towards
the Annapolis Mall) exit. Turn right (east) on Bestgate and
follow it for about 1/2 mile to Ridgely Avenue. Turn right
(south) on Ridgely Avenue for 1/4 mile, then right (west) on
Melvin Avenue, taking you to the northwest side of the
stadium.
Go east on West
Street and about 1/2 mile before you get to the West
Street/Spa road/Taylor Drive roundabout, turn on Glen
Avenue. This street will be a straight shot to the northwest
side of Navy Marine Corps Stadium.
Recommended events:
Glee Club Concert
-
Many consider this a "must see event" even if their Mid is
not participating.
Morning
Colors - Each day is different and includes the Marine
Corps, Silent Drill Team, etc.
Baccalaureate Mass
- Many religions will be represented either the Friday or
Sunday before Commissioning Week. Consider eating brunch at the
Officer’s Club afterwards. Advance reservations are required
(410-293-2611).
Blue
Angels Air Rehearsal/Show
- The Yard will be closed to incoming traffic during
both events. Plan accordingly
Shop at
the Mid Store - Hours of operation will vary.
Graduation items tend to sell quickly, consider going early
to buy these items.
Superintendent's Garden Party - Throughout the
week, down by company.
Keep a journal:
You may want to keep a journal during the course of the
week.
Photography:
Your
son/daughter will more than likely want to be with their friends/roommates for photo ops
immediately after graduation. Plan to take large group shots
after the ceremony.
Consider
requesting a press pass to take photos of your graduate and
other WISNAPA members. You will need to get a letter from
your local newspaper. Contact the
USNA Public Affairs Department
or Jan Haupt for
more information.
The Ensign and 2nd LT covers cast a shadow
over the face of your newly commissioned officer. Don't be disappointed if many of the photos
have shadowy faces from the brim of the
covers. If it's bright sunshine outside you may want to
get several shots of them in the shade to avoid this problem.
If
you're going to a favorite restaurant or place on the Yard,
take a picture of the outside and include the
establishment's sign. When putting the photos in the albums afterward,
it's nice to start each event with the picture of where it
took place.
Disposable
cameras are optional. Some provide cameras to family and
friends, while others use digital cameras.
Bring a VCR
tape:
The
house you are renting (should you choose that route) will more
than likely have a VCR. Learn how to use it and how to
reset the time and timer. Test it and set the tape to
record the local Annapolis station that is broadcasting the
commissioning ceremony.
Consider tailgating before/after
graduation:
The stadium
gates open early graduation day, usually at 6 a.m. for a 10
a.m. ceremony. Getting to the stadium by 7 a.m. should
provide plenty of time to park and tailgate before the
festivities. Consider caravanning if you have a large group
to allow parking near one another.
Many people enjoy tailgating
after graduation as well. It's advisable to provide cold
drinks and a light snack for visitors and your newly
commissioned officer and friends.
Meeting after
the hat toss:
Be careful about the spot you choose to meet at the stadium after
the hat toss. In the end zone by the cannon is a
popular spot and is usually crowded immediately following
graduation. Let your graduate determine the spot well ahead of
time, draw a map, X the spot, make several copies and pass
it out to your guests.
Consideration
for others:
Be mindful of
the newly commissioned who have only their parents/immediate
family present. Offer to take a few group family photos
for them if you see such circumstances. Take
pictures of elderly family members early or after graduation. Dragging them down on the field in
the baking sun may be too much for them. If they want to
be there on field, take their pictures with the new
Ensign/2nd LT immediately so that they can escape to a cooler (or
dryer) place as soon as possible.
Keep your sense of humor:
Coordinating a
large group and the parking situation may make things a little more
complicated, especially if you are traveling with older adults
and/or children. Remember to smile. Thing may not go as
planned, try to let things
slide right off your back. Try not to over plan. It may
be helpful to make arrangements ahead of time and don't get
too upset if someone decides not to attend an event. |
