Army Officer Commissioning Ceremony

Mr. & Mrs. RN

My husband has received a commission as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserves (he's a nurse).  They asked my husband to pick a place for the ceremony and also mentioned "relaxing and celebrating afterwards."   I didn't realize that it was such a big deal.  Any ideas as to where we should do this?  We were thinking a local park would be fine.  And should I be prepared to feed the guests?  It will just be the Army guys, our little family, and DH's parents.

Avion22

A commissioning ceremony has to take place in the presence of a US Flag.  You can have it at a park, but someone will have to bring a flag (and that can be a pain, but is totally do-able).   It might be easier to have it in an office, conference room, or auditorium that already has a flag in it (or is in the same building, so someone can just bring it over).  

As for refreshments, I think it might be nice to have some time-of-day appropriate food (bagels/muffins and coffee/juice if it's in the morning, or a veggie tray/deli tray and juice/soda if it's the afternoon).  There's no need to go nuts if there's only going to be a handful of people there.  I wouldn't spend more than maybe $30 on this.  

Irishcurls

Since they mentioned "celebrating," I would provide something, but like pp said, don't go nuts. Coffee, bagels, fruit is always a hit. Or you could do more of a cake-and-punch thing (cookies, fruit, soda) if it's in the afternoon. 

Mr. & Mrs. RN

It's scheduled for lunch time so we are going to go with some Jimmy John's.  His recruiter said they will provide a flag.  Thanks all for your input.

nightowl1989

I was ROTC, so it's honestly as simple as some light snacks, punch, and/or cake for the meal. I take it since he's comissioning by himself, it's not your standard big class commissioning...

If he's at a university, they're usually very gracious toward providing a small room to use. Or if there is some other place of significance. The beauty of being by himself, it is more up to him and you.

ufsandra85

my commissioning didnt take place in front of a flag and my husband's didnt either. we did ours at our house and did a bbq for both of ours