50 wedding anniversary?

he should go to see them. there is not a boss in the world who would not let him do this. he should go with love and respect. his parents would weep with joy. my parents had their 50th anniversary and one of my brothers would not go because of an argument, now fully resolved!!!! he sees my parents all the time! but 4 years ago he was angry with them and so was the only child who did not attend their 50th anniversary. they were completely upset and crushed. again, your friend can !!! go to this. he can be the better person. he can make a difference.

Answer one and two are both great perhaps both call with an apology for whatever it was that created the strain between them and an invitation to come visit him, with as much as he is able to provide to make the trip possible.

Your friend needs to realize that his parents will not be there forever and when they are gone, if he has not made up with them he will always feel bad that he didn't at least try to make amends with them. Whether they accept or not is their choice but he will have at least made the effort on his part.

How about an apology for whatever caused the estrangement. That would probably be the most cherished thing that his parents could receive.

I would send a nice gift basket, flowers, wine or champagne. If he is not close to them than sending anything more personal could feel awkward for both.

He could send the plane tickets to come and visit him since they have not seen them in such a long time and they are his parents.