send-off

[ send-awf, -of ]

/ ˈsɛndˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

a demonstration of good wishes for a person setting out on a trip, career, or other venture: They gave him a rousing send-off at the pier.

a start given to a person or thing.

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1855–60, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase send off

Margaret Thatcher is to be accorded a send-off filled with pomp and ceremony in London on Wednesday.
Full Details of Plans for Thatcher’s Funeral on Wednesday|Tom Sykes|April 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Thoughts on the inaugural speech, the send-off of the Bushes, and the strange karma of Dick Cheney in wheelchair.
Obama's Money Quote|Christopher Buckley|January 20, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The crew gave them a cheer for a send-off, and received as loud a salute in return.
Fred Fenton on the Crew|Allen Chapman
What could have been more genial than her send-off, three weeks ago?
It Never Can Happen Again|William De Morgan

And besides, that humbug Persse will go and tell everyone in Mayfair, and it will give the whole thing a cachet and a send-off!
The Angel|Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull
The three regiments in garrison sent their bands to help our send-off.
A Soldier's Life|Edwin G. Rundle
As a send-off, we gave ourselves a detour and said good-bye to the Ocean Drive.
The Lightning Conductor Discovers America|C. N. (Charles Norris) Williamson and A. M. (Alice Muriel) Williamson