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Listen to Don Angelica´s solo from
1957
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FIFTY YEARS LATER - THE HEART OF HOLY NAME BEATS STRONG
Many years ago, when the PARENTS of Cadets marching today were first being passed to their Mothers in maternity wards, the Cadets were busy winning their sixth American Legion National Championship at Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Cadets can look back upon many important milestones in their storied 74 year history; but 1957 in Atlantic City jumps off the page of the history book because, as it turned out, it was to be the final National Championship Title to be won under the Holy Name banner.
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For the Cadets of 1957 every second of that September 14th evening is seared into our hearts and minds forever. We often hear of life-changing experiences, and probably most of us can point back to an experience in our own life that we could characterize in that manner; but few people have been uniquely blessed to be permitted to relive that experience fifty years later. A week or so ago Cadet Ken Shedosky posted a very personal message on the visitor's page of this website characterizing what we were poised to experience as akin to a religious pilgrimage. At the time it seemed like a very nice sentiment, although perhaps a bit overstated. In retrospect it turns out that Ken was right on target with that description. We have, in fact, just made that pilgrimage, and all of us that participated are now witnesses to the truth of our often-repeated words of bonding, "for Holy Name shall always be..."
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As is always the case with great achievements, great leadership was involved. Four fellow Cadets poured their hearts and souls and extensive talents and experience into this Great-Gathering-of-the-Maroon. Bill Kardash formulated a plan, and let nothing get in the way of its' successful completion. He went the extra step over and over to ensure that no detail was overlooked, or in any way imperfect. John Avella decided that a reunion of this significance required nothing less than facilities worthy of the magnitude of the achievement and memories being celebrated. He too pulled out all the stops in securing the use of Boardwalk Hall and the Steel Pier, and it was John that pulled in favors from contacts developed throughout his career to obtain the cooperation and support of the management of Trump Marina Hotel and Casino. It was also John who secured the proclamation from the City of Atlantic City honoring the 1957 Holy Name Cadets. Tony Bartello provided support and input
throughout the process, and spent many hours on the telephone convincing fellow Cadets that they would regret it for the rest of their lives if they missed this event. Ken Shedosky similarly spent hour after hour diligently searching out and contacting fellow Cadets. In addition he took on the responsibility of contacting government officials to have American Flags flown over our Nation's Capitol Building on September 14th, 2007 in honor of the 1957 Holy Name Cadets. Tom Adamo took it upon himself to solicit the cooperation of the Mayor and Council of the City of Garfield in issuing a proclamation proclaiming September 10-14 as Holy Name Cadet Week in the City of Garfield. Many others commited time and talent and effort to the cause as well. We owe these fellow Cadets a debt of gratitude we will never be able to repay. They have our thanks, and our respect, and our admiration.
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While this event had momentous significance for all in attendance, it was also a lot of fun. A LOT of fun. Activities kicked off on Wednesday evening with a meet and greet cocktail party in the Wave Room Nightclub at Trump Marina. As we arrived we were given a name tag, with special ribboned tags distributed to all members of the 1957 corps. There were approximately 70 people present, which meant there was a lot of hugging and gasps of surprise around the room. It took perhaps all of five minutes for the years to wash away, and Cadets seeing each other for the first time in half a century were soon back in the Cadet mode. The festive mood was enhanced by a huge welcoming sign, tables of memorabilia, and the 1957 National Championship Flag. There was a buffet, a very busy bar, and countless conversations about "do you remember when," "have you heard from so and so?", "will so and so be here?" Lots of very welcome, and totally unexpected long-lost Cadets were spotted as well. As Ken
mentioned would be the case, they came from all over America; the west coast, the northwest, the midwest, the southwest, New England, the mid-Atlantic states, Dixie's southern shores. While most walked around with simply a glass in their hand, Matty Malkiewicz took it a step further by spending the entire weekend with one of our original rope drums secure in his hands. I think he had determined that anyone daring to touch it would have to die.
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At 8:30 PM EST Bart signaled that it was "time." At every gathering-of-the-maroon we pause at this time to be joined by Cadets around the Nation, standing wherever they might be, to join us in the singing of our corps hymn, Oh Holy Name. The amazing part is that so many Cadets, unable to be physically present, write to tell us that they do in fact participate in this most beloved of all Cadet rituals. Corky Miller, hard at work in Cape Coral, Florida, told us that the first time he suddenly stood up and began to sing the Holy Name Song in his living room, his wife thought he had gone over the edge (a sentiment common to many Cadet spouses). And so, here in Atlantic City, Cadets of many generations positioned themselves on the stage, to be directed by Bart in the shared spiritual bonding ritual of Oh Holy Name. Many present had not sung our corps song in 50 years or more. All present appeared to remember the words. For those of us living in the North Jersey area we have had many
opportunities over the past year to be a part of this very emotional experience. Others, from more distant areas, had not. As we sang, I looked around, and as expected witnessed many Cadets who have not had this opportunity for many years, singing with tears running down their faces. I doubt if there are many, if any, people that have never been a part of The Cadets, that understand the importance of this song to us. This is the time of bonding for us. This is when we remember that we were Cadets, we are Cadets, we will always be Cadets. This is when we remember that we are ALL Holy Name.
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The following morning a group of Cadets with more energy than the rest of us, set out for a round of golf. We were told that Tony Bartello and Walt Taormina were the stars of the event, but everyone seemed to have a big grin on their face when they returned, and mouths were sealed; so you'll have to draw your own conclusions on what else might have occurred.
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Thursday evening was the main event. 110 in attendance, all dressed to impress (with myself as the lone exception...I might as well tell you that myself, since Hugh Mahon will undoubtedly tell everyone anyway). I knew this was going to be an extremely successful evening when I reached the Musician's Balcony in Boardwalk Hall, the site of the pre-banquet cocktail party, and the first thing I encountered at the top of the escalator was a bar. How's that for perfect planning? Tables packed with memorabilia fanned out from either side of the spacious foyer, with a welcoming sign hanging overhead. Special guests present for the main event included George Hopkins, the 25 year Director of our Cadets, Fr. Roch Coogan, the last moderator of the Holy Name Cadets, Caryn Goebel of the YEA administrative staff, eleven former drum majors, and a number of fellow Cadets unable to attend the Wednesday evening event.
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The Musician's Balcony cocktail-party area overlooked the arena floor of Boardwalk Hall, which had somehow been magically transformed by Bill Kardash and his lovely wife Judy, and John Avella, into a breathtaking setting for a breathtaking event. Eyes wandered around Boardwalk Hall remembering familiar architectural features, and undoubtedly also remembering the last time they had been in Boardwalk Hall, and emerged as National Champions.
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Following the cocktail hour group photos were taken of Cadets present, as non-Cadet guests were asked to descend to the arena floor to their tables. The 1957 Cadets were asked to remain behind for additional photos, as the Cadets of other eras similarly descended to the floor, then Tony Bartello announced the entrance of the 1957 Corps of Cadets. The loudspeakers signaled our entrance with a recording of the 1957 Corps playing our entrance fanfare, "Shangri La." Once again tears were spotted, and I could see fellow Cadets swallowing hard to disguise their emotions. Bill Kardash offered welcoming remarks, Hugh Mahon read the list of names of deceased 1957 Cadets and staff, taps were played by Greg Cinzio and Gene Marotta, and Tony Giardino led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The rest of the evening was a pleasant blur of emotions, fine food, fine drinks, good speeches, appropriate presentations, introductions, and most of all, joyful conversation. Proclamations were read from the
City of Garfield and the City of Atlantic City. George Hopkins presented a plaque to the 1957 Cadets from the 2007 Cadets, along with two original Cadet uniforms to be auctioned off for seed money for the 75th Anniversary Commemorations in 2009. The lucky winners were Andy Swiderski and Don Koch (we apologise to their wives for their husband's impulsive generosity). Ken Shedosky presented citations to the chosen recipients of the flags flown over the Capitol, to be presented when received. We were also invited to view an interesting DVD produced by Cadet Josh Rosenstock about the history of the Cadets.
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Once again, as I can assure you will always be the case where and when Cadets gather, the evening ended with the Holy Name Hymn, conducted by Al Mura, the 1940 Drum Major of our first National Championship Corps (Boston, 1940). Caren Frech, Caryn Goebel, Lynn Cinzio, and George Hopkins added their Cadet voices to ours; and "The Angels Sang" once again on the floor of Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
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The night still wasn't over! Many of the attendees retired to the lobby bar of the Trump Marina Hotel, where they remained solidly entrenched until 6:30 AM the next morning. It's my understanding that the bartender (ask for Phil if you decide to visit the Trump Marina) now knows all the Cadet bus songs, and many of the older 1940s-era Cadets are now experts at doing the chicken dance.
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On Friday at noon we gathered one final time to say our goodbyes. John Avella had somehow, unbelievably, convinced the owner of the Steel Pier to open the Pier for us (it was closed for the season), so we could enjoy a farewell traditional boardwalk-fare luncheon. The sun was shining brightly, the smiles stretched from ear to ear, and all was right in our very-maroon world. Will there ever be another event like this one? Probably not, but there will be many more important and enjoyable events as we begin seriously planning our 75th Anniversary year-long series of events for 2009. Once again we can say with total conviction...for Holy Name shall always be...
FOUR banners - ONE corps - EVERMORE!
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Gathering of the Maroon
The following Cadets and Special Guests attended the Reunion:
Cadet/Years Marched
Adamo, Tom & Judy (1948-61)
Arthur, Bob & Cindy (1954-58)
Arthur, Paul (1957-62)
Avella, John & Susan (1957-61)
Bartello, Tony & Barbara (1948-58) DM
Bienskie, Walt (1957-58)
Blazowski, Bill & Kathleen (1959-64)
Bonin, Herb & Carole (1943-51)
Bonin, Joe & Rita (1943-50)
Bonin, Rudy & Mary (1943-50)
Cappicille, Ray (1950-53
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Carabello, Joe (1941-50)
Cinzio, Greg (1967-77) DM
Cinzio, Lynn (1975-77)
D'Amico, Jim & Carol (1948-54)
DeBlieck, Charlie & Inez (1956-60) DM
DeOld, John (1956-59)
DeOld, George (1964-70)
DeVito, Rich (1953-61)
DiCrosta, Rich (1958-61)
Dolan, Tim (1978)
Frech, Caren (1977-79)
Frech, Joe (1968-75)
Fulvi, Al (1953-57)
Gangale, John (1956-57)
Gemski, Fred (1958-63)
Giardino, Tony & Sophie (1953-58)
Jaskot, Vic & Vail (1948-60)
Kardash, Bill & Judy(1952-61)
Kemmerer, Bill & Candice (1942-55) DM
King, George & Maria (1954-61)
Koch, Don & Judy (1957-61)
Kozel, Richard (1959-65)
Mahon, Hugh (1960-61) DM
Malenda, Marlene (special guest)
Malkiewicz, Matt (1956-61)
Marotta, Gene & Jo (special guests)
Mastrangelo, Lisa & Rich (special guests)
McCullum, Bill & Doris (1943-51)
Mura, Al & Vivian (1934-42) DM
Mura, Art (1934-41) DM
Niemiec, John & Anne (1958-65)
Oliveri, Paul & Phyllis Lederer (1952-60)
Peterson, Bob & Elaine (1953-58)
Pych, Ray & Phyllis (1957-63) DM
Raymond, Dan (1959-63)
Ridings, Bill (1959-62)
Ridings, Tre , (official photographer)
Roedema, Charles & Maggie (1955-59)
Rutherford, Doug (1984-88) DM
Samara, Ken (1960-65) DM
Sands, Bob & Agnes Sands, and Robin (1957-62)
Sands, Tom (1956-61)
Scarpa, Ray (1948-52)
Scarpa, Gary (1946-50)
Scillia, Paul & Francine (1951-55)
Serafin, Walt & Audrey (1948-58)
Shaw, Dave (1950-58)
Shedosky, Ken & Bernadette (1957-61)
Swiderski, Andy & Bunny (1955-57)
Tantillo, Mel (1941-50)
Tantillo, Tony & Shirley (1943-52)
Taormina, Walt (1943-52) DM
Tomeske, Stu & Pam (1958-60)
Tubito, Bill (1956-57)
Wegrzyniak, Joe (1943-50)
Westdyk, Bill & Anne (1949-54)
Special Guests
Fr. Roch Coogan, OFM, former Moderator
Mrs. Connie Kardash, former Quarter Mistress
Marie DiDomenico, former Staff
Caryn Goebel, The Cadets Administrative Staff
George Hopkins, 25 year Director of The Cadets
Reunion Committee Co-chairmen:
Tony Bartello, John Avella and Bill Kardash
Ken Shedosky and Walt Serafin, Search Committee Dave Shaw, Cadet Alumni
Association Liaison
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THE CADETS IN ATTENDANCE SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS:
John Avella, 1957-61
AC was one of the most powerful emotional experiences in my life. Almost as
strong as that night 9/14/57 when we won the championship. To think that I would
feel so strongly about the people I marched with 50 years ago is beyond my realm
of comprehension. I never hugged so many guys in my life and felt my strong
emotion and theirs. Being a committee member it was even more elating to see the
joy we had created. I have done many, many events in my life, but never received
the amount of thank yous that I received yesterday and the day before. Being out
of drum corp for 45 years, I never realized the bond that we created. I often
thought about how those Cadet years shaped my positive outlook on life, but
never until now realized the spirit and emotion between us. This reunion was
truly a life event to remember always. For Holy Name Shall Always Be...
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Tony "Bart" Bartello, 1948-58
It is impossible for me to put into words what the three days meant to me.
Just when I thought I had reached the pinnacle of my emotions, something or
someone surprised me and once again I had to fight back tears. To relive so
many past experiences with people I have always loved was far beyond my
expectations. I was very close to losing it when I had the honor to announce
the 1957 cadets before coming onto the floor of Boardwalk Hall. I cannot
imagine what my life would have been without being a Holy Name Cadet and
having so many memories and friends to carry in my heart for all of my adult
life. Finally, I am so looking forward to receiving Old Glory that has now
flown over the Capital building in honor of the 1957 cadets. It will always
be in a place of honor in my home. For Holy Name shall always be...
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Tommy Adamo, 1948-61
I enjoyed meeting my fellow cadets some of who I had not seen in over 40 or 50 years. The professionalism shown by the coordinating committee to put together such a wonderful affair, was something to behold. They should Be commended for a job well down, a big note of thank should go to John Avella, Bill Kardash, and Anthony Bartello, to name just a few. There were hugs, tears, and a show of solidarity among all of us. I took great pride to call myself a Holy Name Cadet. For Holy Name shall always be...
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Bill Blazowski, 1959-64
The reunion was truly outstanding. It was great to spend time with a number of Cadets from my marching years that I havn't seen in more than 40 years. Bill Ridings came with some memorable pictures of our time in the corps and shared these files with the entire group. Many others brought memorabilia that were on display for all to appreciate. I was also able to talk with many Cadets who preceded my time. One (Bill Westdyke) was my very first drum instructor! The organizers of the event did a super job. The venue and food were tops and the organized program at the banquet was excellent ... all this for a cost that was a real bargain. I'm hoping we can repeat this experience on a regular basis. Maybe the next opportunity will be the Cadet's 75th Anniversary. For Holy Name shall always be...
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Marie DiDominico, former administrative staff
Words can not express the feelings I experienced. S P E C T A C U L A R!!!!!!!!!!
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Walt Taormina, 1943-53
No question.........the reunion was a tremendous success.........the cocktail hour on Wednesday night went very well meeting some guys that I haven't seen since my last year in the corps in 1953.
And again on Thursday night resuming some more old aquaintences that I haven't seen since my last year.........the theme for each table was a fantastic idea...........our table was "Moon over Miami" which brought back a lot of memories with Tony Tantillo, the Bonin Brothers and
Joe Wegreniak who all sat with me at our table........i.e. our championship in 1948 in Miami and 2nd place in 1951..(we was robbed)......although the setting was beautiful as we played "Moon over Miami" there was this big orange moon above the stadium!!
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Ray Scarpa, 1948-52, Cadet #15
The reunion was great. I want to thank the reunion committe for all of their hard work for putting on such a successful event. It was good to see some of the guys from my tenure in the Cadets, also, the opportunity to meet guys and gals from other years. It would have been nice to see more of the people from my time. Dave, I'm sorry that I did not have a chance to talk with you as much as I would have liked to. I was just caught up with the great moments. Thanks again for all you guys have done. For Holy Name Shall Always Be...
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Greg & Lynn Cinzio (Greg 1967-77 - Lynn 1975-77)
The coordination and quality of events over the Wednesday - Friday period - EXCELLENT (kudos' to the committee members). The Thursday Dinner/Event/Tribute - SIMPLY OUTSTANDING. The alumni/friends conversations before, during and after the Main Event -
PRICELESS (those conversations are still going on). For Holy Name shall always be...
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Doug Rutherford, 1984-88
Dave - great to see you in AC! What a wonderful event. I had a great time meeting so many fellow Cadets and celebrating our heritage. Thanks for everything you did for this event and everything you do for the Cadets! For Holy Name shall always be...
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John DeOld, 1956-59
There were two emotional moments for me. The first was walking down to the floor with the corps with the 1957 music from that night playing. the other was singing the Holy Name song with Al Mura directing; he is my link to the corps that were before I ever heard of the Holy Name Cadets. Of course seeing all the people I knew and were friends with from so many years ago was a constant reminder of those wonderful times. For Holy Name shall always be...
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Ken Shedosky, 1957-61
Since I had a quasi-inside track on the program events (even John, Bart, and Bill would not share every detail with me), the event unfolded as I hoped it would. Still... seeing those I had'nt seen in a half century was so emotional. The Wednesday night cocktail event was a night of a hundred hugs. Some faces were vague to me, from far across the room, but as I approached those faces, and looked at the name tag, the face and the name became one again. Of course, I said... how could he not have been that cadet.
When I was interviewed at the Giants Stadium Home Coming for the video that shown at the
reunion, I was asked what was it like during the '57 season and the Atlantic City contest.
I said the experience was as if I had taken a rocketship to the stars. Something like that,
so unimaginable and uncomprehensible, you couldn't accurately describe it, if done for the
first time. This reunion was another rocketship ride to the stars, because of the emotional
link, the event went beyond an accurate description trying to use words.
The part of the program that provided a near spiritual religious experience was my
presentation of flag certificates symbolizing flags of the United States that were arranged to fly over the Capitol in Washington, D.C, in the name of the Holy Name Cadets, symbolizing the 1957 national championship. To be able to faciliate this profound gesture through officials in Washington was a once in a lifetime opportunity to recognize the corps in a manner so absolutely appropriate and to recognize fully, the recipients of these symbolic flags. For Holy Name Shall Always Be...
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Lois Snure, 1969-72, speaking for her cousin, Al Fulvi, 1953-57
I Just spoke to my cousin Al Fulvi and he just couldn't stop talking about the AC reunion. His excitement just poured out speaking about what a great time he had and how wonderful it was to rekindle friendships. After reading some of the comments online, it sounds like everyone had a great time. Congratulations to you all for organizing such a successful event. I'm so disappointed I wasn't able to attend, but obligations at home prevented me from coming. For Holy Name shall always be...
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George King, 1954-61, Cadet #36
As it now has been a few days since the the reunion took place I am still so overwhelmed by it all that it's too soon for me to put into words what is in my heart.? All I can say right now is what an incredible affair.? Done first class with " the tradition of excellence " that is instilled in all of us.? At this time my thoughts are of what an accomplishment and tremendous job done by Bart, John, Bill, and Ken.. These guys made it what it was and I don't know if we will ever be able to thank them properly for their efforts.? They put together an affair way beyond anything I think any of us could ever dream of.? There is no way describe what it was like to be on that very same floor in Convention Hall where we did it 50 years ago.? Shakos off to those four awesome Cadets and everyone else who contributed to the wonderful event. For Holy Name shall always be...
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Bill Ridings, 1959-62, aka Little Red
I have returned to my Texas home from a journey to a spiritual and emotional home with my fellow Cadets in Atlantic City. Words are inadequate to describe the reverence and emotion experienced during the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Legion victory in AC. A million thanks those dedicated to making this reunion the success that it was. Lessons learned? 1. Its never too late to reconnect. 2. I am spiritually related to all Cadets, far past to present. 3. It is imperative that we keep the spirit alive. 4. When at a reunion, wear a picture of your younger self. 5. I am the luckiest guy in the world to have marched as a Cadet. FHNSAB....
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Charlie DeBlieck, 1956-60
The Great Gathering of the Maroon last week in Atlantic City was a once in a lifetime opportunity that is now imbedded in my memory for the rest of my life.Re connecting with old friends and remembering what it took to accomplish THE WIN was an emotionally uplifting experience.I was especially moved when we stood and sang the Holy Name Hymn.It sounded like one voice just the way it always did.Many thanks to all who helped put this event together. FHNSAB...
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Raymond A. Cappicille, 1950-53
My experience at the reunion gave me the same feeling as the very 1st. time I put on the Cadet uniform.Something very spiritual came over me, it was a feeling I'll never forget. I got the same feeling when I walked into the hall in A.C. and saw people I had not seen for over a half century, very special people. It certainly was thrilling to experience that feeling again. For Holy Name shall always be.
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Chuck Roedema, 1955-59
I would like to have a lot more than one paragraph to express my thoughts and feelings about how much Maggie and I enjoyed the Holy Name Cadets' reunion celebration. But, here goes:
Our Holy Name Cadets 50th year reunion celebration was THE most memorable event I have ever attended. And, this includes my 50th year Rutherford High School class reunion which I attended last year. To be part of this group that I haven't seen in almost 50 years was heart-warming, emotional and enjoyable beyond my wildest expectations. What a wonderful feeling to not only connect with my fellow Cadets, but to recall so many events and
experiences I had during such a crucial and impressionable time in my life.
To sum up my feelings, being a Holy Name Cadet set the stage for the rest of my life. I sincerely thank all of you who helped make this event a huge success. I will remember this reunion forever. That's all I can say in one paragaraph. There is so much more to say, but the key thing is that we were brought together for an event to celebrate a victory that we can all remember like it was yesterday. I am still overwhelmed by it all. Thanks again for contacting me, and helping to make me part of this most memorable occasion. For Holy Name shall always be...
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George DeOld, 1964-70
Dave, wow, such a class act, the attention to detail, everything set and taken care of, the team that put this together cannot be thanked enough. The smiles on the faces when people met after 30, 40, 50 years lit up the room. Age went away and I saw kids again. The stories were about the way we felt and the way we lived together doing something that most of our non drum corps
friends could never understand. Not talking about the shows, music or drill but about raiding an Indian camp, racing wheel chairs around O'Hare Airport and drinking beer from cardboard
containers, that made the night special.
One last thought, when talking to someone that I marched with and seeing that he marched five years before me while talking to a guy that marched at the end of my time and seeing that he stayed another six years after I left makes one realize how the 74 years are made up of these strips of time that we all represent. Thanks again. For Holy Name shall always be...
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Walt Serafin, 1948-58
Just a few lines to say how great the Reunion was. I am so glad that I was able to see all my old friends. It was especially nice to see my 2 Navy buddies Al Fulvi, and Vic Jaskot. We were able to reminisce about old times and our friendship hasn't faded. The cocktail and dinner parties were well planned and enjoyable. Keep me in touch with future happenings and if I can be of
assistance, write me. For Holy Name shall always be...
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Bill Kardash, 1952-61
Great anticipation came with the Cadet Reunion. Even though I worked on the
committee and knew who would be attending, it was still a blast to see old
... OLD .. friends. Despite the years, it was as if it was "yesterday" that
we were together .. practicing, traveling, winning and ... growing up
together. One interesting observation: when I have attended past high
school reunions much of the talk is about "kids and grandkids" .. Not this
one! I don't recall anyone pulling out an album of family photos .. hell,
Matt Malkiewicz brought his vintage rope drum, and many, many others brought
all sorts of historic memorabilia .. hats, uniforms, bugles, trophies,
photos and of course Tommy Sands incredible "miniature Cadets" ... That was
worth the price of admission alone ! No, the talk and pictures of kids and
grandkids would have to wait for another day. When I mentioned this to my
wife, Judi, she quickly said ... "*that's because YOU are the kids!"* How
right she was. Best of all, we got a chance to relive those moments again.
Thanks to all for being there. My only regret is for those we located but
couldn't get to attend. Maybe next time. *For Holy Name Shall Always Be ...
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Dave Shaw, 1950-58
Having had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy some limited personal contact with some of the 2007 Cadets, I came to realize how important the history, heritage, and traditions of our corps were to them. To then have the emotionally overwhelming experience of being present in Atlantic City to reconnect with the people that, in great part, constructed that history and heritage, and many of our traditions, was an honor and a privilege I'll never forget. The entire three days were magical; almost, but not quite as magical as the event we were commemorating that occurred in the same location 50 years prior. George Hopkins and the Cadets donated two uniforms to be auctioned off for seed money for the 75th Anniversary Celebrations. I watched the two winners treating the uniforms they were handed as though they were the Holy Grail. I too feel that way about our corps and our uniform. Every Cadet that has ever worn the maroon and gold has been blessed beyond measure, and we have lived our d
ays giving thanks for the opportunity to begin our life journey as a Cadet. For Holy Name shall always be...
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George Hopkins, Cadets' Director
I attended the special gathering of the Holy Name Cadets in Atlantic City on Wednesday evening. The event to be honored .. the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Cadets National Championship, claimed on September 14th in YES, Atlantic City. The event was produced on the floor of Convention Hall, the actual site of the performance. I have much to say about this but here are the quick ones .. These people are awesome! To come back 50 years later and to be inspired, thankful and filled with joy ... WOW!!!! I loved being there to witness the entire experience. There were folks there who won championships in 1940!!!!! Are you kidding me! And they speak with such grace and respect for the Cadets. All were so kind to me. It was an honor to be there and yes, I love the fact that I have been able to keep the Cadets moving forward for my 25 years of good luck. The old version of the corps song has to come back! WOW! WOW! WOW!!! I was moved ... and I get to sing now! Look out Barry Manilow. Thanks
to the many people I met ... the names are a blur but ... I loved it! What we do here is so special and to see the roots .. the real people ... the foundation of it all ... it just fills me to the brim!!!! Congrats to all! A great, great, great event! I would not have missed it for the world and I am glad I did not! WOW!!!! For Holy Name shall always be...
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Ken Samara, 60-66
Sorry this has taken me so long, but it's been a crazy, busy week since
returning from A. C.
Regarding your request to capture, in one paragraph, my personal experience
at the Gathering of the Maroon, I find it almost impossible. There were
simply too many personal reunions to reflect upon and try to briefly
capture. First, seeing so many great guys from our past, some of my
marching buddies from as far back as 35-40 years was simply amazing! To
reunite with my Bass Drum-mate Bob Sands, see his wife again and meet his
now-adult daughter, and yet pick up where we left off so many years ago is a
tremendous, comforting feeling. In fact, most of our 1961-1962 Drum Line
was present, including Red Koch, Matt Malkieowicz, Bill Ridings, Fred
Gemski, Bill Blazowski and Tommy Sands, and we just picked up where we left
off so many years ago. Incredible seeing all of them! One simply feels the
strong bond that makes us all Cadets, regardless of when we marched.
Meeting some of the corps members from the 50's, and especially the 1957
Cadets, was also somewhat overwhelming. Yet, all of us, who were lucky
enough to win a National title, have experienced that very same exhilaration
and satisfaction. My thanks again to Bill Kardash, John Avella and the team
that made this reunion possible. What an impressive program! It was so good
to see them, Aunt Connie, Hugh, George King, Chick, Rich (Kozel and
DeCrosta), Stu, the Mura's and our younger alumni Doug Rutherford and the
Cinzios, who I do get to see on a more regular DCI basis. Thanks to
George Hopkins, for his dedication to "keeping the experience alive" and his
devotion to our young Cadets as we move into yet another decade. I am
certainly looking forward our next major event, perhaps our upcoming 75th!
Thanks to you Dave, for your excellent writing, contributions to the Website
and communication. FHNSAB!
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Bob Peterson, 52-58-forever
There are two events in my Drum Corps career that are extremely significant. The
first being the 1957 Holy Name Cadet performance in Atlantic City N.J, The
second has now been replaced with the 2007 Holy Name Cadet reunion in the same
city. The emotionalism of the 1957 performance was duplicated during the three
days of this incredible event.I am often accused by my Drum Corps friends about
living in the past. While this is true, most people will never realize the
privilege and honor of being a Holy Name Cadet forever.
"For Holy Name Shall Always Be"
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OUR 2008 HOLY NAME ALUMNI SEASON BEGINS THURSDAY, OCT. 4, 2007
Our regular first Thursday of each month gatherings-of-the-maroon will again be held at the VFW Hall, Outwater Lane, Garfield, NJ., 7:00 PM. ALL are welcome. There are no dues, no membership, no job assignments, no obligations of any kind. These gatherings are designed as low-key social evenings where you can meet with old friends, breathe a little maroon air, and feel like a Cadet again. Everyone present customarily chips in to pay for the refreshments (pizza). Doug Tenis handles collection. Yes, you can bring friends. Yes, you can bring family, Yes, members or ex-members of other corps are welcome. Sometimes we have some entertainment...sometimes we don't. Sometimes we discuss upcoming events...sometimes we don't. We do, however, ALWAYS sing our corps song at exactly 8:30 PM EST, so Cadets around the world can join in wherever they might be, and know that they are a part of the whole.
SEE YOU THERE!!!
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