Proud parents laughed and cried when the Naval Recruit Training Center opened its doors for an open house.
Academy commander Cap. Tadawut Tadpitakkul welcomed family members as they met with their sons in Sattahip Nov. 20.
The day was generally a happy one, with parents smiling and laughing as they were reunited with their sons, the vast majority of whom were conscripted into the military, rather than volunteering.
But the occasion took on a somber note as the conscripts sang “The Impossible Dream” for HM the late King.
Dr. Sitisak, who volunteered for service as a navy doctor, said he was proud to join the military medical unit. He said the training was tiring and his prospects uncertain at first, but his fear has been changed into courage.
There is a lot to learn from simple things like living together as a family, he said.
Chalee, father of one of the cadets, said he was worried when his son joined the navy and feared he might be treated harshly. However, after a few months his son contacted him in high spirits and said the training is now easy and makes him stronger.
