Boot camp graduation: how to congratulate (and appreciate) a new recruit
Graduating from boot camp is a special kind of success. It means having survived a harrowing expedition and faced the unknown with bravery. When my friends’ son came home a Marine, I found myself searching for not only congratulatory words, but grateful ones as well.
Growing up a good Southern boy, he’d always addressed me as Miss, and I decided to acknowledge his adulthood with the permission to call me by my first name. The reply came back: “Yes, ma’am.” Clearly, I had not comprehended all the values instilled in a young recruit.
So, what do you say to someone who left home just a neighborhood kid and returned a soldier or sailor? Here are a few things I learned:
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
It’s okay to tear up
Trying to comprehend all the meaning wrapped up in high-pressure circumstances can be overwhelming to everyone. It’s okay to be a little overwhelmed—just a little. On the other hand, be aware that someone coming back from boot camp might need personal space to process the experiences of the past few months.
Listen and laugh
Humor is a great stress-management tool, and one aim of boot camp is to help recruits learn to manage stress. Some tales from the journey will be colorful. Some will sound unpleasant or just plain unfair—that’s all part of the package. If your graduate is laughing at his or her own stories, feel free to laugh along.
Say congratulations
It’s not necessary to use complicated words to express what you’re feeling. You’re looking at someone who has faced down some rough trials (and been facedown in mud). That person came out on the other side a better man or woman for the experience. What was done is impressive: Feel free to keep it simple and just say congratulations!
Say thank you
Unlike any other graduate you know, a boot-camp grad isn’t just passing through to the next phase of life or education. He or she is moving into an ambiguous future that will require a lot of trust, effort and sacrifice. You and the people you love will be the beneficiaries of that sacrifice: It’s not just okay to say thank you, it’s essential!
With these tips in mind, you can show both love and respect—and make life a little better—for someone who took a hard road. And when you hear a thank-you back, don’t cringe at being called “ma’am”…no matter how young you are.
Shop Graduation
See allYou may also like
See more-
Gifting The Office gifts and decor make WFH way more fun
From 9-5, our favorite show is The (Home) Office. 💼 📄 Add some fun to WFH with products and decor from The Office, av...
-
Summer Vegetable stamping: How to make simple, modern prints with produce
There are so many reasons to try fruit and vegetable stamping: It's surprisingly creative. It's easy. It uses stuff y...
-
Baby 40+ baby photoshoot ideas, tips and tricks from Hallmark photographers
You have the cutest baby in the world. There’s no contest. It’s not even a question. But what you might not have are ...
-
Christmas Step right up and see the Seaside Carnival Keepsake Ornament
Get ready for all the sights and sounds of Santa’s Seaside Carnival! Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready to greet visitors...
-
Friends Friendship messages: What to write in a friendship card
Whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just any old day, sending a card is a great way to bring a smile and nurture ...
-
Card Ideas 17 ideas for saving your favorite cards and letters
If you’ve got a shoe box full of old cards and letters, you’re definitely not alone. People have been stashing away m...
-
Birthday Free birthday coloring pages to add more fun to the celebration
The best birthdays are the ones filled with lots of little treats and fun activities, from sunup to sundown. If you’r...
-
Family Tips and ideas for preserving and displaying family recipes
Family recipes are a special kind of priceless heirloom—the kind that transport us back to our favorite times with ou...
-
Mother's Day Meaningful, personal Mother's Day gift ideas for every mom you know
It can be tough to come up with gift ideas for Mom. Most of us want to give her something meaningful: a gift that sho...
-
Father's Day Celebrating two dads on Father's Day: Tips and ideas inspired by real families
As a dad, I appreciate Father’s Day. Even though my family has never made a really big deal out of it, it’s always so...
-
Thank You 100+ teacher appreciation gift ideas to say “thanks for all you do!”
In 6th grade, my homeroom teacher made us illustrated, laminated bookmarks—each one a custom collage of our interests...
-
Christmas Dr. Finkelstein’s Lab Tree Topper
Fans of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, we have a frightfully fun new addition for your tree! Kee...
-
Graduation Graduation gift ideas for every level of education
My little brother starts kindergarten this year, and I’m already bracing myself for the tears—mine, not his. I know t...
-
Lifestyle Free printable When Calls the Heart Bingo card to celebrate the Season 11 premiere!
Who's ready for a Heartie Party? You know we are! So much so, we created a bingo card to add a whole extra layer of f...
-
Christmas Star Wars: A New Hope™️ Collection
You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to experience an epic adventure! Each stocking holder performs sce...
-
Christmas Wreath of Memories Keepsake Ornament
Get a special behind-the-scenes look at how Keepsake Artists Gregor Benedetti and Rob Stanphill collaborated on the d...
-
Christmas Howliday Helpers First in Series Keepsake Ornament
Do you want the inside scoop on an im-paws-ibly cute new series? We’ll throw you a bone—Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker...
-
Christmas Keepsake Ornaments ShowToppers Mini Collection
We’re so excited to introduce our new ShowToppers collection. Featuring three unique designs, each tree topper is int...
-
Christmas Keepsake Ornaments North Pole Village Table Decoration
Keepsake Artist Sharon Visker is here with a special delivery of Christmas magic! Hear how she brought this bustling ...
-
Christmas Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™️ Storytellers Collection
Ready for a little magic? Featuring light, sound and real dialogue from the movie, Harry, Dobby, Ron, Hermione and th...