There is no need to dwell on what happened Friday evening in Indianapolis. It is too ethereal to disturb. The show was wonderful, as we have all heard from our friends and family. And they are correct! Chris Moore said it was the most amazing alumni performance he could have imagined. You did that and it is something about which we can all be proud.

 

But, far more meaningful for us is the way you and other alumni reacted and how much it meant to you. It is overwhelming. For many members this experience involved a type of healing. Not everyone had the experience they wanted when they first marched or taught drum corps. The Alumni Corps gave them an opportunity to have a genuinely positive experience, move past the negativity and begin to reconnect in a good way with the Spirit of Atlanta. When we first began, we joked that this was going to be a “Reunion and Reconciliation Tour”. As it turns out, that was not a joke and truer than we knew.

 

For others, it was a way to reach back and touch something that had been extremely meaningful in their lives. Many felt that the opportunity would never present itself. But it did. The memories continued to cascade around us. Jim Ott, Tom Float, Tam Easterwood, Robert Smith and others. They were with us. We were not just “visiting” with each other. We were once again doing the hard work of putting a complete show on the field and doing it together. The relationships, new and old, the aches and pain, the determination and stamina made it real. That is what builds a shared bond. You had that bond years ago and we created it again. Hold the time we were together very close to your hearts. It will never come again and that was one thing that made it so bittersweet. As Mike said, we are all aging out. 

 

So, thank you. Thank you for holding on to the idea that this could work when many were doubtful. You came back, you stuck with us and you made it a reality. Over and over, you gave of yourselves freely, whether it was time, money or assistance with whatever needed doing. If there was ever an example of “it takes a village” this was it. When you have a moment, also be thankful for the logistical staff. That can feel like a thankless job with numerous frustrations and setbacks. It was all navigated beautifully from the hotel to the food to the rehearsal facilities. As for the creative staff, from the creation of the show idea to implementing it on the field and in ensemble, this marvelous group gave you their best effort. It is an honor to call them friends and to have watched them work.

 

You did a good thing.

 

Brad and Deedee