Navy Boot Camp Graduation

We went to Great Lakes, Illinois in February, 2015, to attend Eli's graduation from Navy boot camp at Recruit Training Command. He invited his mom, her father & I (each recruit is limited to three attendees), and we were honored to be there. We showed up early, like everybody else. The flags of all 50 states, and also the districts and territories were paraded in the great hall christened the USS Midway at the opening of the ceremony.
Recruit In Training Eli B. Boykin 16 January 2015	Awaiting the review at Graduation 6 February 2015	In the hall they call USS Midway 6 February 2015	The Drill Team at ease 6 February 2015	Opening ceremony amidships 6 February 2015

We were the only family in the graduation from Wyoming. We learned this when we shouted out when the Wyoming flag was paraded by. The other members of our family who were watching the webcast online were a little disappointed that the three of us didn't make more noise that day!
Wyoming's flag: the Equality State 6 February 2015	Ship 11, Div 092 marches forward 6 February 2015	Division 092 moving left 6 February 2015	Division 092 at Attention 6 February 2015	Wyoming Standard is paraded by 6 February 2015

There were approximately 1100 recruits who became sailors that day. It's so true that you really had to be there to appreciate the sound of 1100 voices reciting the Sailor's Creed. It reads like this: "I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment. I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all."
Gathering of outer garments 6 February 2015	Alissa & Eli, Mom & Sailor 6 February 2015	Mom, Son, Dad: Sailor & parents 6 February 2015	Eli & Grampa: Sailor & Lt. Col (Ret) 6 February 2015	I would say he is delighted 6 February 2015