CADETS 75TH ANNIVERSARY KICKOFF WEEKEND IN NJ

[onceuponatime]

PART 1 - THE MASS AT HOLY NAME

Many years ago all Holy Name Cadets rehearsed in the basement of a modest little wooden church in Garfield., NJ. On Sunday, May 24th, more than 200 Cadet Alumni of all eras, some with their families and friends, gathered for a Memorial Mass to begin our 75th year of history, and more specifically to remember and honor Cadets who have passed into eternity. This time, however, we gathered in a breathtakingly beautiful church that bore no resemblance to the tiny wooden church we all remembered and loved. The church of our youthful memory.

We were welcomed and pleasantly surprised by a large sign on the church lawn, advising all who passed of the special Cadet Mass that would be conducted on that day, and of the 75th Anniversary of The Holy Name Cadets. Attendees representing many years of Cadet history packed the church pews.

Monsignor James Reilly, the current Pastor of the Church of the Most Holy Name, ascended the altar, peered out at the sea of maroon spread out before him, opened his arms wide, and said simply and eloquently…”Welcome Home Cadets.” With those three words the healing process for many present began.

This very special Cadet Mass had been in the planning stage for many months; inspired by the significance of the occasion, the significance of the site, and the reason for the service. Monsignor Reilly’s support and enthusiasm was present from the very beginning of the planning process. In addition to the sign erected on the lawn of the church, flyers were inserted in the church bulletin passed out at every mass for several weeks preceding the actual event. The church was ready for the Cadet Alumni, and we were ready to reestablish the bond that had been painfully severed fifty-one years ago.

Every participant in the service of the mass was a Cadet Alumnus with the exception of Monsignor Reilly. Co-celebrating the mass was Monsignor Edward Matash 43-50, and Deacon Rich McGarry 58-66. The Cantor, with a voice that was as beautiful as any ever heard, was Nancy Watson Baker 71-73. Lectors were Albert Mura 34-42, (a Heritage Cadet and the Drum Major of our first national championship corps in 1940). and Greg Cinzio 67-77 (Drum Major '77). Patricia Lovas Trojanowski 69-75, Cynthia Carozza DeVivo 69-73, Margee Estelle Gearhart 69-71, and Karen Cinzio Corman 77-83 presented the gift of offerings.

The mass was conducted with the semi-military pomp and pageantry familiar to most Holy Name era alumni. Contrary to the misconception held by many, faith was not a qualifying factor in becoming a Cadet. While initially membership was limited to boys in the parish, over the years boys of many different faiths wore the uniform of a Cadet. The charismatic inspiration for organization of the Cadets, in fact, was a fourteen-year-old boy, John Baumfalk, a member of the local Dutch Reformed Church, John Baumfalk.

Many in the church for this special mass, therefore, were not Catholic; but in most cases the Church of the Most Holy Name had been a major influence in their formative years. When Monsignor Reilly looked out at them and welcomed them “home,” that was exactly how many of those present, Catholic and non-Catholic felt…back home!

The opening procession down the aisle was both traditional and breathtaking. It was led by Cadet Katie Capasso 05-07, in full Cadet uniform, carrying the historical Holy Name Cadet shield. She was followed several paces behind by Cadets Chris DelVeccio 05-06 and Cadet Andrew German 08, both in full Cadet uniform. Chris and Andrew carried the shako and gloves symbolic of all departed Cadets. Several paces behind them was Cadet Fabian Izsa Jr. 58-63, 66, carrying a replica of the sabers officially presented to the Cadets many years ago by officer-representatives of The Military Academy at West Point. Several paces behind Fabian, moving up the aisle side-by-side were two founding-member Heritage Cadets: Arthur Mura 34-50, and Nicholas Patrisso 34-49.

Directly in front of the altar a memory table had been placed, covered with a shawl worn by Karen Cinzio Corman 77-83 when she performed in the Cadets’ fabled 1984 West Side Story production. The memory table was framed by beautiful floral arrangements donated by Joseph Nikischer Jr., Plebes ’69-74, and his family.

As each uniformed Cadet arrived at the memory table they placed the items they were carrying next to the memory candle that had been pre-positioned on the table. The three uniformed Cadets then moved to positions of honor guard flanking the table as our two Heritage Cadets, Al Mura and Nick Patrisso, approached to light the candle. As it was lit they took a step back and placed their hands over their hearts, while the uniformed Cadet Honor Guard, executed the majestic slow-motion “salute to a fallen comrade.” The music performed by the Holy Name Church choir and organist during this ceremony was “All Glory, Laud and Honor”

The members of the processional party then took their seats for the welcoming remarks and homily by Monsignor Reilly, which focused on the history of our corps, the honor we have brought to the church and to ourselves, and the value and wonder of the unique “Cadet experience.”

In the traditional format of a Catholic service of the Mass, Heritage Cadet Albert Mura 34-42 and Greg Cinzio 67-77 then read the liturgy of the word. The responsorial psalm was “The Lord has set His Throne in Heaven.” For those of you unfamiliar with a Catholic Mass, the Cantor plays a major role in all sung responsorial portions of the mass; and we were fortunate to have Nancy Baker Watson 71-73, a renowned Cantor, volunteer her services.

The offertory song, sung during the collection of donations, was followed by a stirring rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” sung by the choir during the distribution of communion.

A song of reflection followed, honoring all of our deceased Cadets. As the song of reflection began our three uniformed Cadets resumed their honor guard positions flanking the memory table, and once again rendered the slow and majestic “salute to a fallen comrade,” holding the salute for the duration of the song. There were not very many dry eyes in the church at that moment, as most present remembered close friends and family members who had once worn the same uniforms as the young Cadets now saluting their memory.

Monsignor Reilly then asked everyone in the church, with the exception of Cadet Alumni, to be seated. The three uniformed Cadets turned to face the pulpit, and Anthony Bartello, Sr. 48-57 (Drum Major 1957), led all alumni present in the singing of the Holy Name Hymn. At the conclusion of the hymn Cadet Major Anthony Bartello ’57 walked to the memory table and extinguished the flame on the candle.

Following a blessing from Monsignor Reilly the recessional formed, led by the officiating clergy. The uniformed Cadets respectfully retrieved the symbolic articles on the memory table, and joined the recessional as the music of “Alleluia, Alleluia,” with organ and trumpeters George King 54-61 and Greg Cinzio 67-77, filled the church with the sound of joy and celebration.

There are few moments in life as rich and soul stirring as what all those present in Holy Name Church during this opening event of our 75th Anniversary experienced. The feelings of the Cadets and their loved ones present at this ceremony will live in our hearts and memories for the rest of our lives.

The Cadet alumni, family, and friends, exited the church with the uniformed honor guard standing at attention on either side of the door, and Monsignor Reilly individually thanking those in attendance. Group photos were taken on the front steps of the church, but no camera could ever capture the beauty and majesty of this opening event of the 75th Anniversary of The Holy Name Cadets.

PART 2 - THE BRUNCH

A brunch, held at the VFW Hall in Garfield, followed the services at Holy Name Church. We tried to make this event as informal as possible so people would have an opportunity to follow the emotions of the morning with something less challenging. It appeared as though the bulk of the people from the Church service traveled to the VFW as well, and socializing began immediately.

The room looked beautiful with everything maroon and gold (of course), and various displays around the room (which few even noticed since they were having such a good time just socializing).

There was no formal program (unless you consider drinking at the bar a formal program), with the exception of a moving prayer offered by Patti Lovas-Trojanowski for our men and women in uniform. We were celebrating the Cadets' 75th Anniversary, but we were also very much aware of the solemnity of the Memorial Day observance, and the debt we all owe to those who have served, those who returned with shattered lives and bodies, and those who made the supreme sacrifice. A sincere thank you and expression of love and support from all Cadets to all of you out there who currently wear the uniform, or previously wore the uniform, of our military services. God Bless you and God Bless America!

PART 3 - PARADE TIME

The Cadets started off Memorial Day bright and early with morning parades in Carlstadt and Rochelle Park.

At the Hawthorne Legion things were buzzing with both the Cabs competing corps and their alumni corps popping in and out to change into uniform and do whatever needed to be done. We were upstairs setting up the displays, hanging the sign, setting up the food and gift presentation tables, and answering questions from a lot of interested Cabs.

Around the corner the crowd was beginning to gather in the area adjacent to the reviewing stand. Some of our alumni had settled themselves in their lawn chairs early in the morning to be certain of having a good seat for the big show. There was a huge alumni turnout, and maroon seemed to be the fashion color of the day. Hanging from the front of a building owned by Cadet Alumnus Paul Scillia 51-55 directly adjacent to the primary viewing area, was a huge banner Paul and Bill McCullum 42-52 had made, emblazoned with the words: "Congratulations Holy Name Cadets, 75th Anniversary."

The parade format had been changed because of the importance the event had assumed. Doug Tenis 58-62, Parade Coordinator, determined that in lieu of having each music unit stop in front of the reviewing stand to play a number or two, they each would continue marching past the reviewing stand and would return when the parade was completed to offer concerts in front of the officials and spectators in the reviewing stand area. The Skyliners were permitted to stop and play during the parade since they were not scheduled to play a concert afterwards.

The Cadets had earlier requested permission to play a short concert to thank the citizens and officials of Hawthorne for their hospitality and support over the years, and to salute the alumni present. The Cabs alumni and competing corps joined in the program to represent the town, which they have represented so impressively for so many years. Both corps presented excellent performances, and reminded us all of the uniquely impressive status the two Caballero corps hold in the drum corps world.

Of course, for all the Cadet alumni present, the Cadets were what they had come to see, and the Cadets did not disappoint. The Cadets have a presence, especially in up-close, face-to-face performances such as this, that dazzles the very critical drum-corps-savvy audience that assembles in Hawthorne each Memorial Day. It's part the beauty and impact of the uniforms, part bearing and demeanor, part total professionalism, with the biggest part indisputably talent and performance excellence. In Hawthorne this year, positioned in the street literally surrounded by an audience that is as demanding as any audience you will ever encounter, and where every weakness would be immediately obvious, there simply weren't any weaknesses. All around me I observed shock and awe as the virtuosity of each and every section of the horn line dazzled the spectators. I, of course, have no legitimate claim to objectivity, so you will have to obtain a more objective reaction elsewhere...but God are they good!!

PART 5 - THE ALUMNI MEET THEIR 2009 CADETS

For the past several years our alumni have hosted a post-parade pizza party for the marching Cadets, where in addition to providing them enough pizza to send their nutritionist into a tailspin; we also present each Cadet with a memento of the season they are about to experience. The mementos, to date, have been baseball caps uniquely designed for the Cadets and their staff only, with none offered for sale or distribution to anyone else, including alumni. It is, we hope, a reminder to them that each year is special, and THIS is THEIR year. The funding for these caps is provided by donations from alumni across the country, under the tag "caps for cadets initiative."

The post parade party has grown bigger with each passing year, but this year, our 75th Anniversary year, topped them all. The hall was packed with alumni anxiously waiting for the Cadets to change out of their uniforms and enter the hall so we could let them see that now they belong to a family larger than they ever imagined.

Funding for the pizzas (70 of them) took a surprise twist this year when we were contacted by Jim Gardiner '84, who explained that our Canadian Alumni wanted to do something special and personal for the 2009 Cadets. The result was that they took over responsibility for the funding for the pizza, while Ken Shedosky 57-61 unexpectedly and generously offered to match any funds donated by our Canadian brothers and sisters. The result was extremely gratifying, not just because it came as a complete surprise, but also because it allowed us to make the party the biggest and best ever.

Jim Gardiner '84 told me that all 2009 Cadets are now honorary "Cadets with a Canadian Connection." Some other exciting news is that our Canadian Alumni are also in the process of organizing their first (?) comprehensive Canadian Cadet Alumni social function.

The Cab's Alumni Corps and their world famous drum major Jim Russo, were kind enough to loan us their Canadian Flag, so we could take a photo of our 2009 drum majors with the beautiful Canadian Flag in hand. From all of us to all of you, thank you. The Maple Leaf forever!

The main event of the party was not the food however, nor the distribution of caps; it was the bonding of the alumni present in the room with the 2009 Cadets. They were close to equal in number, and if you looked out from the stage across the room, Cadets were interlaced with alumni in close conversation wherever you looked. The most moving moment was when all the alumni in attendance came together on the stage and sang the Holy Name Hymn for the newest members of the Cadet family. Our young 2009 Holy Name Cadets stood shoulder to shoulder, their hand on the shoulder of the Cadet closest to them, in the position of attention; young eyes locked on old eyes (or in some cases slightly older eyes), and there were tears in all of them. If you look on the visitor's page of the Holy Name website, www.theholynamecadets.org, you will see just how deeply this moment affected our alumni.

And so, the first of a great many celebratory events for our 75th Anniversary, Diamond Jubilee Year are over; but will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to have been present. As the Cadets' buses drove away, I smiled a little smile of pleasure, knowing that throughout their journey this summer they are going to meet a score of other alumni every mile of the way, climaxing on August 1st and 2nd with the largest gathering of the maroon and gold ever held (Saturday, Aug. 1st at Montclair State University and August 2nd at Giants' Stadium). And, in concert with the alumni present in Hawthorne, they are going to feel the pride and love we all felt in Hawthorne for the young men and women now wearing the uniform we all revere. For Holy Name shall always be...

We in the Cadet family feel very fortunate to be here to celebrate this extraordinary 75th year of our history. It will be an unusual year of celebration, memory, and hopefully an unparalleled adventure for the 2009 Holy Name Cadets. We welcome all of you to join us in these celebrations. We honor and respect every single corps we have had the good fortune to have shared the field of competition with during this 75 year journey, and we open our doors to welcome you all to our big party. Check www.cadets.org or wwwtheholynamecadets.org for a schedule of events during the season about to begin.

[MikeD]

...

We in the Cadet family feel very fortunate to be here to celebrate this extraordinary 75th year of our history. It will be an unusual year of celebration, memory, and hopefully an unparalleled adventure for the 2009 Holy Name Cadets. We welcome all of you to join us in these celebrations. We honor and respect every single corps we have had the good fortune to have shared the field of competition with during this 75 year journey, and we open our doors to welcome you all to our big party. Check www.cadets.org or wwwtheholynamecadets.org for a schedule of events during the season about to begin.

Dave,

As always and amazing article!

BTW...Nancy Watson was one of Larry Schillings' students at Glen Ridge HS, and she later went on to become a guard captain with the 27th Lancers.

[Northern Thunder]

Thanks for sharing.

Sounds like quite an affair!

[washingtoncorpsfan]

"Welcome Home, Cadets"

got choked up just reading that, and I'm in no way affiliated with the Cadets. Thank you for sharing all of that.

[tommytimp]

Tradition and community. Building blocks for sure.

[lindap]

Tradition and community. Building blocks for sure.

I agree with your poignant statement.

Many drum corps started from tradition and community.

I read this weeks ago and was touched. Thanks onceuponatime