My son had the same experience as you. Not until he graduated basic. The crucible was a big day and he called us when he completed it, but it was not quite the end of basic. I think he had 3 days left until graduation. After attending the graduation ceremony, I don't see how anything could replace that as a right of passage.
I don't think i remember anything of the last 3 days of boot except finding my cover on the parade deck after being dismissed! :-)
Semper Fi