Inauguration
1965
How would you select the squadrons to march
in the Inauguration? Why not have a "march off?" And so, the powers
that be figured if you could march well to lunch, with a little (or lot) of practice,
you could march well in the streets of DC.
First there was a round one
of slimming down from 24 squadrons to a handful. As I recall, that was a lunchtime
competition. After all, wouldn't every cadet want to go to DC to march in freezing
cold weather carrying their 9 lb M-1 rifle? Since the inauguration was on a Wednesday,
maybe the "winners" would get a week off and not have to make up classwork
or homework. The competition was a serious affair for CS-24. There were extra
practices for the march off at lunch. Then there were extra practices to get into
the final two(?). Those practices were under arms. There's nothing more fun for
a doolie than marching with a rifle with a firstie behind you. Mr. Burnett, pull
your stock in. Mr. Motz, you're bouncing. All you squats are bouncing!
We
must have improved because our squadron would get an all-expense paid trip to
Washington, DC to see LBJ on the East Portico of the Capitol. Now, we will do
Real Practicing. Practice early; practice late. Practice with hoods up; practice
with hoods down. Practice in O-coats? No, we'll be in our Parade Uniform. Oh,
take your overcoat just in case. You might wear it some other time.
Washington,
DC in the winter can be a fickle friend or foe. The parade was to take place at
about 1430 (we'd be up at first light) and there had been an inch or so of snow.
Temperatures? Who knows - probably cold. Someone needs to make a decision on what
uniform to wear. The call was made to wear our overcoats over our parade uniform.
Like we've ever done that before. So we are all snug in the horse blankets, unable
to move our arms and with 38 degrees as the temperature, sweating profusely. Who
made that stupid decision? The claim was,  all
the other Academies would be in overcoats. Not so much. Check out the Merchant
Marine Academy.
Not to worry, at least the streets will be clear and we
won't be cold. Hmm, think again. The snow would be well cleared by the reviewing
stand, but that was a long march from the assembly and start area. Note the fine
conditions on the route. There goes the spit shine. Never
fear, it will be an honor and a joy to see our distinguished President on the
reviewing stand. He may be no JFK, but he is a Southern Gentleman. (Not even close).
 And
his wife, Lady Bird is just as cute as the dickens.
 So,
the final "good deal" was no grace on missed classwork or homework.
Get your butt in gear and do it on the trip back. For some of us, it was "support
your classmates" and blow it off to help the curve.
What a memorable
event!
Thanks,
Bruce for the story and pictures. |
