I guess it just hit me, how far we have traveled both as a corps and as Alumni of the Cadets in the past year. We now stand as one corps again; not separated by different banners, or different eras, or past experiences. It's been a genuine privilege for me to participate in this wonderful journey of reconnection. A year ago many among us were wondering how our experience as a Cadet related to the modern-era experience of the current marching Cadets. That question has now been answered. Yes, it is a different world, and the activity we have all loved for most of our lives has changed almost beyond recognition. BUT, the CADET experience we all share has not changed. The values of the current Cadets, as displayed so visibly by their behavior while under assault in Pasadena, mirrors the litany of values that has connected us so closely one to the other throughout our history.
Now, as we approach our 74th year, and begin the planning for our 75th Anniversary in 2009; it's time reflect on our past, but it's also time to commit ourselves to guarantee our future. Many who preceded us worked and sacrificed selflessly to ensure that we all had the opportunity to don the maroon and gold, and share the unique experience of beginning our life journey as Cadets. Now it is our turn to guarantee the availability of this special experience to future generations of Cadets. It is our charge to ensure that Holy Name shall always be...
Just two and a half weeks after our spectacularly successful Great-Gathering-of-the-Maroon in Atlantic City, we kicked off our 2008 alumni season with a mini gathering-of-the-maroon on October 4th at the VFW Hall in Garfield. As we pretty much expected, following the fireworks in Atlantic City, our first mini-gathering was uncharacteristically quiet and subdued, with attendees grouping themselves at tables to discuss the events of the past month. Attendance was somewhat better than expected though, with a number of Cadets we hadn't seen for a very long time traveling great distances to be with us again. Conversations focused on the 2007 season, the events in Atlantic City, the special joy of once again sharing time with Cadet friends from the past not seen in many, many years, and the rapidly approaching 75th Anniversary of our corps.
We did have DVDs available for viewing including the 1950 Trip to Los Angeles courtesy of Bob Bielen, the 2007 Cadet "This I Believe" slide-show DVD courtesy of Scotty McGarry, and the 1971 (America the Brave, 1776) and 1972 (No More War) Cadets' performance DVD, submitted by Dave Shaw, and a composite DVD of the Cadets performing at the Olympics, the rededication of The Statue of Liberty, The ticker tape parade for the returning Desert Storm Troops, and others special moments in the corps' history, courtesy of George Lea; and finally a CD of the Carnegie Hall Drum Corps News winter concert in the early 60s, courtesy of Joe Triola.
We also had a short presentation by Bob Cardaneo on the feasability of organizing a Cadet Alumni Cruise. Bob marched Cadets in 1967, and taught in 1976-77. He is currently the bugle caption head for DCA, a position he has held for the past seven years, and is the organizer of the very successful DCA Hall of Fame yearly cruises. Representatives from The Cadet's staff were present, and pending a decision from them on whether they are interested in this project as a possible fund-raiser, we will provide additional information as received. Bob said he was encouraged by the response he received at the meeting.
The Cadet staff members present (all alumni, in addition to being corps staff) were introduced to their fellow Cadets in attendance at the meeting. It was nice to see how we all used to look back when we were recent ageouts (regretably, I personally NEVER looked that good).
The next gathering-of-the-maroon will be on Thursday, November 1, 7 PM, at the VFW Hall in Garfield. An open discussion relative to alumni topics will be conducted, and questions or suggestions will be taken. Give some thought to any ideas you might have for our 75th year, so we can share them with everyone. The discussion will be kept within the perimeters of alumni-related issues. All welcome!
We are also tentatively planning a Beefsteak Fund-Raising Dinner at the VFW for February or March. Doug Tenis will be organizing that event. More information will be shared with you as it is received.
As always the highlight of our evening, and every evening as a Cadet, was the singing of The Holy Name Hymn; joined at 8:30 PM EST by Cadets around the Country. It is still, after all this time, a magical experience. I think we need to consult a psychologist to explain why we are all so deeply affected whenever we raise our voices in The Holy Name Hymn. Whatever the reason, I know that whenever I sing it I feel a connection and a feeling of pride that is probably beyond explanation.
Present for this gathering: John Avella, 57-61 (co-chair for the A.C. gathering) Bart Bartello, 48-58 (DM & co-chair for the A.C. gathering) Bob Bella Rosa, 49-52 (Cadet icon) Bob Bielen, 47-54 (all the way from Newport Beach, CA) Walt Bienski, 57-58 Herb and Carole Bonin, 48-54 Bob Cardaneo, 67 Greg Cinzio, 67-77 (DM) Gene Clayton, 46-56 Jim D'Amico, 49-76 (past Director) George DeOld, 64-70 Marie DiDomenico, (past Cadet staff) Kyle Fleming, 04-05 John Gangale, 57 Vince Giardino, 56-57 John Hannigan, 74-79 (DM) Meag Healey. 96-00 (Cadet staff) Rudy Heimbecker, 03-05 (Cadet staff) Vic Jaskot, 48-60 Christen Juel, (Cadet Staff, Liaison to the Alumni) George King, 54-61 Maggie Lawrence-Temple, 85-87 George Lea, 81-82 Beth Linkletter-McGarril, 73-75 Gene & Jo Marotta, (special friends of the Cadets) Bill McCullum, 43-51 Owen McGarry, 58-68 Rich McGarry, 58-66 (corps photo historian and keeper of the flame) Ernie Rosolen, 48-53 Bob Sands, 57-62 Tommy Sands, 56-61 Dave Shaw, 50-58 Ken Shedosky, 57-61 (A.C. committee) Andy Swiderski, 55-57 (the top winner of the uniform auction in A.C.) Charlie Sydoryk, 64-70 (all the way from San Diego, the hero of the John Baumfaulk tribute in Pasadena) Tony Tantillo, 43-52 Stu Tomeske, 58-61 Joseph Triola Jr., 62-66 Paul Wall, 64-71 Joe Wegrzyniak, 43-50 Bob Wilke, 66-69 My apologies to any alumni present who neglected to sign-in, and whom I overlooked in this listing. Special recognition to Phil Kowalski. Phil suffered a health setback just prior to the meeting, and the first thing he did was to ask Gene Clayton to relay his apology to us for his absence. You were counted as being there Phil! Get well soon.
One final point. A short while ago I received a message from a member of a truly famous corps, regretably no longer active. He mentioned that, while he respected and admired The Cadets very much, he also was reminded each time The Cadets perform of the absence of his corps from the field, and how much it hurt. It's very easy to empathize with him, and to realize the pain we would feel if our positions were reversed. On behalf of our alumni I would like to let him know that we too miss his corps very much, and that as long as The Cadets continue, his corps will always be very much alive. They are not forgotten, and our respect and admiration continues unabated. We know it is undoubtedly hard for old rivals to view our corps as "their second home"; but we would like him and others feeling similar pain of loss to know that wherever and whenever the maroon gathers, you too are welcome. You will find respect, and sensitivity, and friendship. Rivalries die, but when one door closes, an other opens. We can never replace the corps that continues to live in your heart, but perhaps we can turn an old rivalry into a new friendship. We do care!
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