This is supposed to be the section of our website where we write about all 
the latest alumni news. Something unexpected happened this weekend though 
before I had a chance to get my hands on my computer keyboard. The 2007 
marching Cadets, and the Cadets' Alumni present for the weekend's events at 
Giants' Stadium and Continental Arena...and the Cadets' creative and 
instructional staff... and the Cadets' office staff... and our Board of 
Directors...and our Director of 25 years...unexpectedly and emotionally 
reached out to each other and joined hands. Somehow, while we were all 
engrossed in having a wonderful time at a wonderful series of events we 
became, in the process, a stronger and far more unified Cadet family.

Generalizations, of course, create instant challenges, so if there is a 
single Cadet (I'm assuming there must be at least one disinterested in 
anything other than marching and playing), or dissident alumni (which 
evidence suggests all corps are required to have...especially when you have 
73 years worth of Alumni), that don't care to be included in this particular 
generalization, we respect your right to distance yourself from the group in 
this regard. It's still, after all,  your corps as well!

Speaking for myself, I have become a very emotional person these past few 
months as I have witnessed the rebirth of our Holy Name history and heritage, 
and the coming together of past and present. The easiest and perhaps most 
honest way I can tell you the story of this weekend of superlatives, is to 
tell it from my personal perspective. If you were present, living these 
events with me at Giants' Stadium; hopefully my reactions will mirror your 
own, and my words will ring true.

As a number of you might already know, I am a Holy Name Cadet. I marched 
1950-58. I have not aged well, and my smiling face now frightens little 
children and animals. There are still quite a few dinosaur-Cadets around, 
though most are not nearly as frightening as me. Many of my closest friends 
in the world, fellow Cadets, have not attended a drum corps event in 30-40-
50 years, and in the case of some of our founding members, also present, far 
longer than that. I give you this background information so you will know and 
understand just how meaningful it was that so many Cadets of all generations, 
73 years of Cadets and their families, felt compelled, after so many years 
away, to reaffirm their Cadet identity. To become, as I have become, 
a born-again Cadet!

My thank-you notes have already been sent to the people directly responsible 
for the gut-work that has given so many of us memories that will last for the 
rest of our lives; most particularly the YEA office staff, in particular 
Rhonda Mauk and Caryn Goebel, and Cadet Alumnus Eric Santo. They set the bar, 
raised it several times, and ended up exceeding even their own wish-list 
expectations. We owe them more than we can ever repay. They turned a "hope-for-
the-best" weekend into an "over-the-top" weekend.

 My personal weekend adventure began early afternoon on Saturday, with a 
 half hour  or so  viewing  The Cadets' "Music is Cool" Clinic for high 
 school band students.  It's an all-day  affair that  takes away from 
 precious rehearsal time, and keeps  our young Cadets out on the  field 
 in the sun  for most of the day; and it is a  time of magic well-worth 
 the sacrifices  entailed.  The  instructors teach and  the band kids 
 learn. The Cadets teach and the band kids  absorb. The Cadets  and  
 the band kids perform together, and it's like watching flowers burst  
 into bloom.  It's an  aspect of drum corps that very few spectators, 
 regretfully,  ever get to  see. There are many  clinics presented by 
 DCI and a number of  DCI corps  throughout  the  competition season. 
 Bravo to  them as well. The ones I have  observed have been  extremely  
 impressive, though far more abbreviated  than   the  Cadets' Music is 
 Cool  full-day programs.

 Next on the schedule was setting up the Holy Name memorabilia display in 
 the  50  Skybox at Giant's Stadium. I guess I was anticipating a small, 
 packed,  utilitarian site for  the pre-contest Cadet Alumni Reunion and 
 Reception; so  the  reality knocked me for a loop.  It did become packed, 
 but it was a very  luxurious  multi-room site easily able to  accommodate 
 the larger-than- expected  gathering-of-the-maroon. Score 1 for the YEA 
 Team.  There was also  an unexpected  hot buffet, welcoming decorations 
 (in addition to tables full   of memorabilia),  and everything else 
 required for a well-presented, well- organized major  event.  Score 2 
 for the YEA Team.  Of course, the main focus  of the event was the alumni  
 present; and as we discovered months ago at our  gatherings-of-the-maroon 
 in  Garfield,  Cadets of all generations mix very  well. There were a lot 
 of personal  reunions from various  years (the entire  1987 perfect-score 
 drum line was present),  and even more first-time  meetings  with people 
 that before 0the reunion had been  names without faces.  You  literally  
 could feel the bonding occurring as you moved  around the room from  group 
 to group,  conversation to conversation.  Rhonda Mauk  and  Caryn Goebel 
 of the YEA staff, (looking  like fashion models after running  themselves 
 ragged all day), and Alumnus Eric Santo  (looking like a happy Cadet 
 alumnus   watching Rhonda and Caryn run themselves ragged),  kept 
 everything running  smoothly...Score 3 for the YEA Team. In total...a home 
 run for  YEA and Eric  across-the-board. A simple thank you would be totally 
 inadequate. As we  often  state in our Holy Name website articles when 
 referencing something meritorious... you did us proud!!!

 I would also like to personally thank George Hopkins and the entire YEA 
 staff for  extending  themselves so graciously in accommodating all of our 
 requests for  assistance... for the  organizational excellence of your 
 collective efforts...for  the scoreboard spots  providing  web-address 
 information for the Holy Name  website (www.theholynamecadets.org)... 
 for the  announcements during the contest  informing the spectators 
 about the upcoming  September  gathering-of-the-maroon  in Atlantic City. 
 It is obvious to nearly everyone with  Cadet-affiliation,  I  think, that 
 we have entered a new era of mutual cooperation in the  Cadet family,  and 
 our earlier  toe-in-the-water approach has given way to full immersion. It's 
 not only very rewarding, but very  exciting as well.

The highlight of the Alumni Reception, as is the case with all Cadet 
gatherings, was the singing of our Holy Name Hymn. This time it was very 
different though. It wasn't the usual rendition, sung surrounded by 
familiar friends that you marched with and heretofore considered "the corps." 
This was 73 years of living Cadet History joining their voices in what very 
well might have been the most stirring rendition of the Holy Name Hymn ever 
sung. Enriching the moment even more was the presence of  representative 
Cadets from the 2007 corps, hearing I believe for possibly the first time 
ever, the singing of Oh Holy Name in the traditional manner, closing with  
"Amen." I was in a position to observe them,  tears running down many of 
their faces, as the meaning of what they were participating in overwhelmed 
them. I too was overwhelmed and more happy to be a part of that moment than 
it would ever be possible for me to describe.

Next on the schedule was...what else(?)...the competition we had all come 
to see. As the reception participants moved into the reserved 50 yard-line 
alumni seating section, our numbers were enlarged by an even greater 
number of alumni that had been unable to reserve by the cutoff deadline 
for the reunion (stadium security mandate), or that for other reasons had 
been unable to attend. I don't think I have ever before seen as many Cadet 
alumni in one place at one time in my life (which as mentioned is a 
somewhat considerable period of time). A great many of them were attending 
their first drum corps event in many, many years. Some were wary that they 
were entering a strange and unfamiliar world, unpleasantly different from 
the drum corps world they once knew and loved. Others had been following 
drum corps periodically, and knew about, and in some cases intensely 
disliked, the direction of the activity in general and Cadet show-
programming in particular. They picked a good night to put aside their 
preconceptions and  decide to take a second look.

All the competing corps were, in a word, wonderful! From the Division II 
representative (looking every inch a Division I corps) Jersey Surf, to the 
newly relocated and ready-to-roar Crossmen, to the reinvigorated and 
exciting Boston Crusaders, to the distinctive and impressive Blue Knights, 
to the absolutely captivating and unbelievably talented Carolina Crown and 
the equally breathtakingly talented and beautiful Phantom Regiment. All the 
competing corps had the audience buzzing about the top-to-bottom quality of 
the competition and the competitors. All corps were well received, with 
standing ovations scattered throughout the entire competition. I can tell 
you I was out of my seat applauding far more than I was sitting.

As these five guest corps undoubtedly expected, since this was not only a 
contest but a Cadet Alumni reunion; the crowd was undeniably partisan. A 
large number of people in the audience had come to see our 2007 Cadets. I 
can only speak for myself, but I think the 2007 Cadets are sensational. 
They excite me. They amaze me with their talent level, performance 
excellence, and poise on the field. They entertain, and they impress. Many 
Old-school alumni told me afterwards that they too were now on-board; not 
only with the Cadets and what they're attempting, but with modern-era drum 
corps in general, as exemplified by all the corps present.  There were also 
those in the stands, including some alumni (we're not all alike), that don't 
share those sentiments. Drum corps is a subjective-reaction activity, and 
there is no such thing as a "wrong" viewpoint. You like what you like. For 
me, I not only like the 2007 Cadets and their program...I love it. I don't 
know if I'm in the majority or the minority, and frankly I don't much care. 
I think for myself and I think this will be one of the great Cadet drum 
corps, revered and remembered for years to come.

I hope very much that the guest corps at this Cadet home show did not in any 
way feel overlooked, uncomfortable or unwelcome. We are all very sensitive 
to our responsibility to treat all corps as we would like our Cadets to be 
treated when they tour around the Country. All five guest corps were viewed 
with awe by the Cadet Alumni and other spectators present. You all have many 
fans and friends in the Cadets, and we were honored by your presence this 
evening. Thank you for coming. Thank you for entertaining us in such a mind-
boggling manner. In our minds, everyone on that field was a champion...not 
just figuratively, but literally. We wish you all luck as you move through 
your season and head for Pasadena.

The evening ended, but the Cadet Alumni fun continued on Sunday at 
Continental Arena adjacent to Giants' Stadium. The event was a tribute to 
George Hopkin's 25th Anniversary as Director of The Cadets. Once again the 
site was totally packed...so much so that it was necessary to expand  into 
an overflow room with TV screens to accommodate the crowd. You arrived 
through a narrow cocktail-reception area, where fortunately I was positioned 
on a strategic bar stool so I could greet and hold conversations with 
whomever was unfortunate enough to cross my path. This was my first 
opportunity to have real conversations with the Cadets' instructional staff, 
and I loved it. Meeting people as talented as the Cadet staff is always a 
privilege, but this was a privilege coupled with a lot of pleasure. These 
people are not only talented, they are fun to be around as well. Thanks to 
all of you for your patience in spending time with this sublimely fortunate 
fly-on-the-wall.

Twenty five years...think of that! Twenty five years in the pressure cooker. 
Twenty five years as a target and, for some, a shield. Twenty five years of 
winning titles and turning young people into great people. George is many 
things to many people, most of whom, regardless of personal impression, are 
probably neither 100% right or 100% wrong.  He is arguably the most complex 
and misunderstood person in drum corps...loved by many, reviled by many. 
Studying George, what he does, what he says, what he thinks, has become 
almost a whole new component of drum corps participation. Everyone waits to 
see what he will say and/do next. Half the Western world reads "Hop's Blog." 
George Hopkins is not just a person, not just Director of the Cadets and YEA, 
not just a mover and shaker in the activity. He is a 50 year Old man who has 
devoted half his life to serving young people; most of whom would probably 
offer up his name if you asked them who had the most positive influence on 
their life.

I don't know George very well, nor does he know me very well. I say that 
with great relief for both of us. There were, however, speakers at George's 
Testimonial that did know him very well, and were not afraid to share some 
of their "insider secrets" with those in attendance. "Roast" speeches were 
presented by Dan Acheson, Executive Director of DCI, Andrew Silverstein, 
President of the YEA Board., Tony DiCarlo, DCI Contest Director, and Doug 
Rutherford, Cadet Alumnus, former Cadet Drum Major, friend, confidante and 
co-worker of George for many years. They told the "inside" stories we all 
came to hear, but as they got their laughs at George's expense, a pattern 
began to emerge of a man they truly liked, trusted, respected, and admired. 
A man who has driven them crazy on many occasions, but a man they all felt 
had elevated and enriched the activity, and inspired and challenged each of 
them personally. It was very impressive to hear, and from the bright red 
flush on George's face, perhaps a bit embarrassing for him as well.

I can't even begin to describe how much good I believe those few hours 
accomplished for everyone fortunate enough to be in attendance, and the 
many more that I know are hearing about it as I write these words. There 
were three moments that gave me, as an older Cadet Alumnus, special joy 
and confidence in the future of this corps we all love so much:

Andrew Silverstein, President of the YEA Board, ended his presentation with 
these words; "our job is to ensure that this corps will be around forever, 
and Holy Name shall always be..."

George ending his comments to the group gathered in his honor with 
(paraphrased): " I have come to believe that The Cadets can be innovative, 
creative, and risk-taking, while at the same time having our feet firmly 
planted in the concrete of our history."

And finally, when the guests  moved down into the arena to view the Cadets' 
tribute performance for George, and all Cadet Alumni were asked to join the 
Cadets on the arena floor to sing The Holy Name Hymn in the encompassing 
Cadet closed-circle. The first stanza was conducted by Chris Castille, 
2007 Cadet Drum Major , in the modern-era tempo, the second stanza at the 
more traditional tempo, and a recently reintroduced "Amen" thrown in to 
bring it all together. I looked into the center of the circle of Cadets of 
the present and Cadets of the past to see George adding his voice to ours, 
and I got too choked up to sing anymore. This unique and wonderful drum 
corps has been blessed beyond measure, and now I think we all know that 
the best is yet to come.

Thanks to the YEA staff for working themselves nearly to death to give us 
all this wonderful memory. Regardless of what may or may not happen in 
Pasadena, this 2007 season will be remembered by all Cadets as the time 
when we all became born-again Cadets, and we realized that our history 
is not just our yesterdays, it is our todays and tomorrows as well.

As proof of that statement I offer in evidence these photos of two 2007 
Cadets who have bonded themselves forevermore with the history of our 
corps. Lavish all our 2007 Cadets with love my fellow Cadet Alumni. 
They are adding a whole new dimension to Cadet pride!!!

COMING EVENTS:

Saturday, July 7th - Cadets´ appearance at DCI East in Allentown. Either 
preceding or following the Cadets performance in Allentown for DCI East, 
Scotty McGarry has arranged for a special Italian-ice treat for the Cadets, 
with funds left over from the Alumni Caps-For-Cadets initiative. This event 
will take place at the Cadets' housing facility which is located a 
considerable travel distance from Allentown. Alumni participation, in view 
of the housing location is somewhat impractical; but if anyone wishes to 
attend they are welcome. See Scotty McGarry at the competition for 
additional information.

      

Friday, August 10, Pasadena, CA - Alumni reunion prior to semi-finals. Date 
confirmation, location, time, and cost TBA.  For additional information 
contact Doug Rutherford at DougRutherford@rivermine.com
SEE YOU THERE

September 12-13-14 - The Once-in-a-Lifetime Cadet Alumni Reunion in 
Atlantic City tohonor the 1957 Cadets, and commemorate the last 
American Legion National Championshipwon by the Cadets under the 
Holy Name banner. Details on these three days of magic areattached to 
these news announcements.
SEE YOU THERE!

October 4 - Gathering-of-the-Maroon, VFW Hall, 340 Outwater Lane, 
Garfield, NJ, 7:00 PM.
SEE YOU THERE!



ATLANTIC CITY, SEPTEMBER 12-13-14: WE CALL UPON ALL CADETS TO BE PRESENT TO 
COMMEMORATE ONE OF THE GREAT CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CADET HISTORY. 

THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER EVENT LIKE THIS ONE!

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY NAME CADETS AMERICAN LEGION 
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY IN ATLANTIC CITY, 1957. 

THE MAGIC CHAMPIONSHIP.

ALL Cadets, Cadet families, Cadet friends and well-wishers are called to 
assemble in Atlantic City, September 12-13-14, 2007, for a very special 
GREAT-GATHERING-OF-THE-MAROON to honor the 1957 Holy Name Cadets. Three days 
of fun, memories, and entertainment are going to rock the boardwalk at 
Atlantic City...the same boardwalk that the 1957 Cadets marched down behind 
our championship flag fifty years ago.

This three day extravaganza will include an early evening  registration/
cocktail party at the Trump Marina Hotel on Wednesday, Sept. 12, beginning 
at 6:30 PM. This event will be very informal, and will be our first opportunity 
to greet Old friends and maybe even make some new ones. Refreshments will be 
served, and a cash bar will be available.

Thursday, Sept. 13, at 8:00 P.M. will be the grand banquet, held on the floor 
of Boardwalk Hall, in the same location where the rafters rocked and history 
was made 50 years ago. An open-bar cocktail party will precede the banquet, 
from 6:30 - 8:00 PM, on the Musician´s Balcony level of Boardwalk Hall.  
The highlight, of course, will be Cadets, Cadets, and more Cadets; reliving a 
night of memories that will never be equaled.

Our final event will be on Friday, Sept. 14, where you are invited to 
register for a boardwalk-food luncheon with cash bar on the Steel Pier.

The total cost for this 3-day event-of-a-lifetime will be $100 per person. 
This will cover the events on Sept. 12-13. The Steel Pier luncheon on 
Sept. 14th (optional) is not included.

Hotel accommodations have been secured at a special rate at the Trump Marina 
Hotel. The rates for Wednesday and Thursday will be $85 per night 
(plus applicable taxes). For those wishing to stay over on Friday as well, 
the rate will be $129 (plus applicable taxes). Reservations may be made directly 
through the Trump Marina Reservations Desk by calling 1-800-777-8477, Option #3. 
When making your reservation you must give this special code for this event, 
"FHOLY7 Holy Name Cadets Reunion," in order to receive these special rates. 
We suggest that you reserve immediately. A significant portion of our block of 
rooms have already been reserved.

In order to secure your participation we need to receive your full payment of $100 
per person no later than August 15. Please make out your checks to:
                        "Holy Name Cadets Reunion":
       Mail them to:      Bill Kardash
                          111 Annapolis St.
                          Annapolis, Md. 21401

Please include the following information with your check:


name:________________________________________

name(s) of spouse or other guests:_________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

street address:________________________________________________________

city/state/zip:__________________________________________________________

telephone #:____________________________________________________________

e-mail address:_________________________________________________________

years marched (if applicable)______________________________________

I (we) will attend the registration/cocktail party on Wed., 9/12 Y___ N___?___

I (we) will attend the Steel Pier luncheon on Fri., 9/14 (optional) Y___ N___ ?___

I (we) are interested in participating in a golf outing (arrangements pending) to be 
held on Thursday morning, 9/13 Y___ N___ ?___.  
If interested please contact Tom Adamo (tja116@aol.com) to register.

Let´s all gather once again to raise our voices and our glasses to the most famous 
drum corps in the world. For Holy Name shall always be...

John Avella, Tony Bartello, Bill Kardash: co-chairmen

THE CADET ALUMNI WOULD LIKE THE 2007 CADETS TO KNOW HOW PROUD WE ARE 
OF YOU AND YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE THIS SEASON.  WE ARE EVEN MORE 
PROUD OF YOUR CONDUCT, YOUR WORK ETHIC, YOUR DETERMINATION, AND YOUR 
DEMEANOR. YOU ARE TRUE CADETS IN EVERY WAY, AND A CREDIT TO OUR CORPS' 
HISTORY AND TO YOUR FELLOW CADETS. IF, WHEN YOU LEAVE THE FINAL FIELD 
OF COMPETITION IN PASADENA ,YOU KNOW YOU HAVE DONE YOUR BEST; THEN YOU 
HAVE WON, WHATEVER THE SCORE.  FOR HOLY NAME SHALL ALWAYS BE...