Did we give up after the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I’m sure most of you saw my post yesterday. It was a tragic day, the day we all found out that our “tradition like no other” was coming to an end; that all of the good memories and hope for future ones came to a thunderous, door slamming close. As I was slowly going through the denial – the first stage of grief – I was a man of mixed emotions. I was angry at the University and I was angry at the local town. I did not believe that this was happening. I mean, how can you cancel a “tradition like no other?”
Apparently, there were certain litigation requirements by the University. We have already begun the process of meeting their requirements, including obtaining the necessary insurance coverage and “blessing” from the local authorities. Now, all we have to do is work on convincing our wise, old sage of a leader that, in fact, the event is feasible and still can be set up, in less than a week. Given the additional requirements needed by the University in order to meet the certain insurance requirements, this will, undoubtedly, increase the cost for the event, although I do not believe it would be too significant (most likely $20 or less, per attendant).
We have the elder members of our group approaching certain University personnel on Monday or Tuesday of next week, with a hard decision to be determined by Tuesday. Please be advised that, even if we are able to obtain the permission of the University, if the sage says no, that is the word that is spoken. There will be no further discussions, no more arguments, no more Facebook groups.
As we see the very existence of our “tradition” hang in the balance, please at least take to note that, by no means, does this mean that our “tradition” has been extinguished from existence. Not only will it live on in our hearts every Memorial Day weekend, in no way is the related University banning us from having future events on campus. If the event is canceled for this year, take comfort in knowing that we will do all we can to have the event later this summer and, at least, in 2011.
I know we are all waiting for the outcome and the next couple of days will be drawn out, but take solace in knowing that we have the best men available fighting for us and hope still remains that the event will go on as planned. While you are free to make alternate plans, do not feel that our tradition has ended this year.
Keep your heads high and your chariots swinging low. Whatever comes over the next couple of days, I can guarantee that our tradition will continue.
