At finals, for the first time since I don't know when, no patriotic song was played at the awards ceremony. The 12 finalists' horns have played "America the Beautiful," or something of the sort, and it was such a wonderful finish to the days of finals. It has always given us in the stands goose-bumps, and the crowd would give the corps a standing ovation. It was so moving. The corps were simply dismissed, this year, and walked off the field. The end! Boo-hoo! I was really looking forward to this final treat, but alas, no such thing in '09. I wonder why. So, in finals, I had two big disappointments... this and the fact that no alumni put on a show... something that I (and the crowd) enjoy immensely. The connection with the past was always so cool. I want a partial refund for my DCI '09 finals week experience... or lack of it, rather.

Sounds like the wonderful DCI staff in action again.

I wonder who made that decision.

I'm a huge NASCAR fan. I love that they always have the national anthem and have a blessing from a pastor in the pre-race ceremonies.

That is strange. They always made a point of including it in their DVDs as well. I wonder what changed.

What did you do in the Corps? Snare; Drum Major; Drum Instructor/Arrnager

What years were you a Corps member? 1970-73; 78-79

Probably should ask DCI. I am sure that they will give a very creative answer.