Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Senior Member
Username: rliebing
Post Number: 1333
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2012 - 08:01 am: |    |
120808
THE OLD GUARD
by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Cincinnati, OH
The fifes twitter behind the dull, muffled, rolling cadence of the drums, as the Old Guard takes the field. Resplendent in knee breeches, frocked coats, tricornes [tri-corner hats],and powdered wigs, the young men and women of the Old Guard carry forth tradition-- that of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment.
As one of the United States Army's premier musical organizations, the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps has inspired audiences throughout the Nation and abroad for 48 years. Founded on February 23, 1960, the men and women of the Corps proudly carry on traditions that accompanied the birth of our Nation. To see the unit is to experience history come alive - a proud tradition that began with the musicians of the Continental Army and continues today!
The old Guard is as old as the Revolution and as new as the latest replacement-- a tall, precise twenty-year old! Their mission is to bring the old to the new; to present what was good to what is now good; to represent the best in parade dress attire that now is mostly in khaki and camouflage. Old is not always bad! A theme to remember-- one and all. Largely ceremonial, the 3rd also is responsible for the guarding of the Tomb of the Unknown. Overall, it brings a sense of precision, of high tradition, and pomp to our day-- the best of the best past!
We suggest every group and organization has its unique “old guard”. CSI, [the premier specifications organization] and indeed the specifications writing profession overall, has an old guard-- not organized per se, but still there and functioning in the offices around the world. Functioning in a tried and true manner, with dedication, precision and pride in product. High intelligence applied; skill personified; knowledge abounding-- all combined to produce the best, specific to the conditions of each project.
What appears to be missing is the pomp and recognition seen in the Old Guard on the march-- the clear, unmistakable appearance of time well spent and work well done! Each member is an integral part of the organization-- and the experience of each is required to round out the total expertise of the group. Some march, musket at arms; some fife and some drum; the very old stand to the side, but represent, advise, and counsel. Each though has a decoration of acknowledgement for years spent, and service given.
The whole of this, though, really is organized pride—an open and lingering expression of what was and what contributes to today and a better tomorrow. It is no sin to reminisce and honor days gone; to dress in fine array to conjure memories; to extend pride with dignity, award, and pride simply in being a member. The dues are simply time dedicated!
Perhaps we can give due to the “new” old guard at CSI. What about some distinctive emblem on the member badge at the convention/show [and for daily use, too], to indicate “old guard” status-- the basis being years in the profession. CSI is but a babe compared with the country-- we have no 200-year history, but merely 60+. So perhaps the oldest of the “guard” are 30-year vets, and with due consideration for 25 and even 20 years? |
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