Augusta Military Academy - Recall Yearbook (Fort Defiance, VA)

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November brought the first signs of the coming winter. As the leaves fell and the air sharpened, Armistice Day approached. Always a day of respect and reverence at AMA, the Armistice was celebrated with a memorial service in the eleventh hour, and after D.R.C. the Corps was moved off to Harrisonburg for the annual Armistice Day Parade. Forth- ing on the campus of Madison College, the Corps moved through the streets with units from other schools and organizations in the parade commemorating those Americans who died in the first Great War. Here, Randy Hoilman, Dave Berry, Paul Nicks, John Casto, and Jimmy Ander- son lead the Band down the main street. Armistice Day ceremonies commemorate AMA veterans. ENDING THE PARADE ... the Corps moves into formation for the post-parade services held in the PRESENT ARMS Captain Joe Benedik brings ‘‘B’’ Company to Present Court House square. After a short service and eulogy in memory of the late Gen. Charles S. Roller, Jr., the cadets were dismissed for a dinner treat and a night on the town. Arms before marching them off in the big Harrisonburg parade. Colonel Wales calls the roll of former cadets who gave their lives in World War I. As each man’s name is called, a member of the Honor Guard steps forward, presents arms, and answers, ‘Died on the field of honor, sir.” 28

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...22 November 1963 . .. His death destroyed something in every one of us. All felt as if they had been cheated out of that which was theirs. But his sudden demise has left something with us besides despondency. It is a feeling that all have read and heard about, but never truly felt until now. It is a feeling that makes his passing away seem more of a sacrifice than a loss. It is the feeling of vibrant pride and potential purpose in preparation for a stormy future. As strangers who have undergone the same catastrophe together, this young generation now feels a common bond. Our first taste of national insecurity is something alien to us. And it is a bitter taste! Now with a new leader at the helm, Americans must test the strength of what our country was founded on—confidence. Anyone who remains complacent has not fully realized the symbolic meaning of the tragic death. One might interpret it as the discovery of an artesian well which will spew forth the effervescence of American pride. It seems that one cannot help but feel as the confident youth who, carrying the banner “Excelsior,” stormed the highest peak. But just as the death of a leader might have an optimistic meaning, it might carry pessimistic admonition. This death was extremely costly, especially during these times. The treacherous doctrine of communism has seeped into our society as a deadly fog. It has spread discontent among Americans. It has caused uncertainity and mistrust to prevail between the people and their government. And it has influenced a man to take our President’s life. This country has always needed a stimulus to reawaken it out of its lethargic patriotism. The man who died struggling to find this stimulus never knew that his own death might be the answer. ... Alan Hale YORKTOWN, DALLAS, and AMA . On the spot where Americans gain their freedom, Bob Myers honors Our President on the day that was. 30