John H. Van Dillewyn's Page

After the demise of the Valley Grenadiers me and a few other "lost" D&B souls made the move to "Garfield". We proudly absorbed the traditions, instantly made new friends and dove head first into contributing what we could in order to maintain the Corps' presence and rebuild the corps to the brightness of its former self. Albeit perhaps in a slightly different manner at times, ie installing our own sound system in the back of the bus, staying up late on those long rides, creating the DBI (complete with its own salute), however, '75 and '76 were tough years. For those not old enough to remember, some of the early DCI dynasties were struggling not only to survive but also in making the grade, ie. Muchachos, Cavies, Casper Troopers, Bayonne Bridgemen, Boston Crusaders, Racine Kilties. Despite those tough times the Cadets did not falter -- pride and tradition. 1976 DCI Championships was agonizing as we continued practicing all day in the Sears parking lot improving our performance level, not to mention enhancing our tar beach tans, while getting updates of the prelims only to hear that we had been bumped out of the finals -- I was "aging out " that year. Never the less, the memories and pride still flow through my veins to this day for Holy Name Shall Always Be...