On the Saturday following the march back from Camp Buckner, the Class of 2011 will be formally accepted into the Corps of Cadets during  the Acceptance Parade.  This is one of  only a very few parades during the entire West Point experience that is totally dedicated to a particular class (R-Day, the parade at Plebe-Parent Weekend and the Graduation Parade come to mind as others).  CBT training culminates with the Acceptance Parade.  Toward the very end of Beast Barracks or during Reorganization Week, your son/daughter will be able to tell you which Company he/she has been assigned to for the  academic year, and you will be able to place yourself  in the stands aligned with his or her new Company using the markers on the parade field.  The upperclassmen march onto the field and the New Cadets march along the outer edges of The Plain forming in front of the bleachers.  After their “acceptance” the Plebes take their places with their permanent academic Companies as members of the Long Gray Line and pass in review.  It is really exciting to see the New Cadets march toward the Corps and then disappear into the ranks, as they become one with the Corps!

For the Class of 2011, this Parade is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on August 18, 2007 on The Plain.  The New Cadets will wear their white hats for the first time and be formally accepted into the Corps.  If you can attend, it is a truly happy occasion!

CONGRATULATIONS – your sons/daughters are now officially Cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point.  In past years, Acceptance Day also marks the day when Cadets have enjoyed their first family visitation since R-Day.  Typically, the new Plebes are released from duties by mid-afternoon and enjoy walking privileges until approximately 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night, and then again on Sunday until 7:00 p.m.  Plan a picnic by the river, a meal at a restaurant located within the limits of walking privileges or a happy reunion somewhere on post.  Without a doubt, your son/daughter will enjoy the opportunity to eat some home-baked goodies, and share their experiences of the past several weeks!