A First

July 2nd was R-day...Reception day, the day the new cadets arrive at WP.    The day ends with the new cadets marching onto the plain and taking the oath of allegiance.   In the 10 years we've been here, I've never gone to watch this parade so this year, I decided I would.  (And of course, none of my children chose to join me because "it's just a review and we've already seen lots of reviews."  I think I've mentioned how I hope, when they're grown, they appreciate all of the unique and amazing experiences they've had.)

I was glad I went as it was a little different than some of the other reviews I've watched.

The band marching down diagonal walk....

getting into position.

The new cadets marched out of the sally ports while the band played.  Always so impressive to see.

Unlike in other reviews, they lined up on the plain in one long group, executing "dress, right, dress" to tighten and straighten their formation.

There was not a lot of saluting, coming to attention, order arms, etc. in this review.  It was basically about them raising their right hand and taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Then the band marched back, the way they had come, and led the new cadets back towards the barracks in the opposite direction than that of a typical review.  (And normally the band remains in the center of the plain and are the last to leave, after all of the cadet companies have marched back through the sally ports.)

The band led the new cadets down one side of the plain,  across the apron, and then stood in place and played while the new cadets marched up the stairs and into Washington Hall for dinner.