I once went out for beers with a friend named Bob, who served as a U.S. Army military policeman in the Vietnam war. He told me that he joined a V.F.W. post after discharge and that some of the World War II vets at the place made him feel as if he were personally responsible for losing Indochina to the communists. He said that the ribbing became especially intense in 1975 when Saigon fell, and the TV at the post showed images of helicopters lifting off the U.S. embassy roof with desperate refugees hanging on to the landing gear.
I told Bob that in my book, anyone who did his duty in a theater of war was a winner. He thanked me by picking up the bar tab. Problem solved!
Our culture sets great store on winning. Vince Lombardi said, “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing,” And I believe it was Billy Martin who asked, “If winning doesn’t matter, why keep score?” In our time, of course, this bit of wisdom is ignored by certain children’s soccer leagues.
The 27th Lancers – 1980
If you were in a competitive marching unit, you know all about winning and losing. Perhaps you came close to winning the Big One, like the 1980 27th Lancers. Or maybe you were in a C.Y.O. band, practicing hard all year only to be trounced at the circuit finals by the leviathan from St. William’s, Dorchester. Or you. could have marched in the aptly named Braintree Braves, who mustered a quorum of ten or a dozen kids every year to compete in Class C drum corps.
I imagine that the Braves considered it a coup merely to field a corps because there is such a thing as performing an activity out of sheer enjoyment. In my case, I like to shoot pool in spite of the fact that I have never sunk more than four balls in a row. (A pool shark once told me that wearing glasses throws off a player’s aim.) I feel a kinship with duffers who hit the golf course every weekend and never score below 95, bad dancers who strut their stuff at high school reunions and risk having 15 minutes of Internet Infamy, and softball players who are forever buying post-game drinks for the winning side.
Braintree Drum and Bugle Corps – 1952
There used to be a platitude that announcers at drum corps shows would say when the corps would assemble on the field at retreat and wait for the scores; “Ladies and Gentlemen, they’re all champions!” Thinking of this reminds me of the 1975 season when the 27th Lancers came in 4th at DCI after having finished 20th the previous season. We did not win the championship, and we probably would have come in 5th if the Hawthorne Muchachos had not been disqualified, but judging by crowd response we won the hearts of many, and finishing in the upper tier after having been pronounced dead was a moral victory.
If you marched in a drum corps, band, color guard, or drill team, and if doing so kept your adolescent mischief to a minimum, you won something. If once upon a time, before you worried about mortgages and colonoscopies, you were so lighthearted that riding on a stinking, sputtering tour bus was your idea of fun because the other callow jokers on the bus were so dear to you, you won something. And if you met the love of your life through marching activity, you won a prize that no sane person would trade for all the first place trophies on earth.
Of course, if you were in a unit that gained a crown – DCI, DCA, WGI, local circuit – I congratulate you. But winning comes in many forms. As a character in a William S, Burroughs novel says, “Sometimes you have to take a broad, general view of things.” My broad, general view of the marching arts is that anyone who participates in them with a healthy attitude gains a whole world. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you are all champions.
The 27th Lancers – 1975
Thanks Jim – your words echo loud and clear. I marched with Sacred Heart against “Willies” in the CYO circuit, and later with the 27th Lancers. We might not remember all of the contests, but we’ll never forget the lessons we learned. Thanks for your perspective.
You’re welcome.
That was great, Hymie. I agree with everything you said. I especially like the part about winning the love of your life. I won many contests while marching but the best prize was finding the love of my life amongst those I marched with. Cheryl and I marched together and I would not trade her for anything. Winning is a matter of perspective.
I can think of quite a few married couples who met in drum corps and are still together. What’s better than that?
Bravo! Beautifully written and left me wanting more. Keep writing, and thanks for the memories, even the bus rides and the Braves. (I once had to judge the Braves in General Effect in an EMass show. I believe the DM was also the soloist and, at one point in the show, made an appearance in the 3-person drum line.)
That must have been fun.
Your corps came in 4th place at DCI in 1975. Period. End of story.
Absolutely poignant, masterful and so very much truth. Thank you Jim.
You’re welcome. I hope that you’re well.
Wonderful Perspective Jim, and I thank you for your brilliant thoughts and writing. I’m still enjoying the journey brother!
Thanks. My algebra teacher in the 11th grade didn’t think I was brilliant, but what did he know?
Just loved this! Twice we (Regal Crownsmen) won the Greater New England Class B championship in 1975 and 1977. In 1978 we had to move up to Class A. That year we had ~13 horns, 3 rifles you get the picture.
I remember marching in World Open and being so excited to be in Class A even with our small corps. As far as we were concerned we won because we were there. The next year we folded and merged with Simplex Minutemen. We were so lucky to have had the experience.
Well said Jim & thank you for the memories, nothing like performing in a stadium & then everyone in the stands applause applause applause for us friends, best high ever, so many fond memories & friends…..