Friday, September 4

We were glad Jere scheduled our morning to be here early, before he parked the van at a good location for after the graduation ceremony. We were the second family there – and soon went through security – and were able to sit in comfy folding chairs. After parking the van, Jere walked back to this lot which was located next to Barrow Hall. We could sit in any chair that did not have reserved marked on it.

Several other early arrivers also got to sit in chairs. When the unreserved chairs were filled, the rest who came to enjoy this ceremony, had sit on bleachers.

The Parris Island Marine Corps Band are incredibly talented.

We enjoyed seeing Opha Mae, the Marine’s English bulldog mascot who worked well with her handler.

We think this Marine (I am not sure of his rank) must have a photogenic mind as he gave his challenging speech without a note.

These four were involved in raising the flag while the band played the National Anthem.

The people you see in front of me were some of those who had reserved seats.

When the ceremony was over, this shuttle was our ride to the graduation ceremony. It took us right to the area where we would be sitting with the VIP tickets we received the evening before.