This One Time, at Band Camp...
This past weekend was one that I will not soon forget. As a matter of fact, this past weekend may forever be engraved into my memory, for I don't know that I will ever have a speaking engagement that can match it. Sunday evening, instead of running youth group, which is a normal part of the job description, I was blessed with the opportunity to give the benediction at the 2007 Notre Dame Band Annual Banquet.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking already. Me, at a band banquet? It doesn't seem to fit, seeing as I've never played an instrument in my entire life, with the sole exception being my ability to pick amazing grace off of a poorly tuned guitar. Forgetting that fact for a moment, the band here at Notre Dame has meant quite a bit to me over the past few years. Beyond having a roomate in the band, and several friends in O'Neill that took part in it, I have established a hard-to-explain friendship with the band. So much so, in fact, that the highlight of my gamedays, over the past few years, was the jog (skip, dance) back up the tunnel to be greeted by the Victory March.
Moving on, I went to the banquet at South Dining Hall, and had a blast from start to finish. The company I kept at the "officers' table" was wonderful and the people I was able to speak with throughout the evening were incredible. I only wish I wasn't able to ruin so many pictures by being in them (people looked so nice!).
The highlight of my evening actually came before I stood to speak before the band. I was given a gift of four shamrocks in a shadow box. Though I was thrilled to be receiving any kind of gift at all, I was ecstatic when I was told the symbolism of a green, silver, gold, and diamond shamrock. For those of you who don't know, the shamrock is kind of a monogram for the band. Your first year, you get the green shamrock to wear on your uniform. Each subsequent year, you get a silver, gold, or diamond shamrock, to wear on your uniform. The tangible nature of the gift meant little to me compared to the concept of being adopted as a member of the greatest band in the world.
In short, it was a wonderful evening of fun, food, and fellowship. I was able to meet and speak with people whom I highly respect and hope to see do amazing things in my time. And I'm honored and proud to be the owner of four honorary shamrocks.
In Love,
Bobby
Now, I know what some of you are thinking already. Me, at a band banquet? It doesn't seem to fit, seeing as I've never played an instrument in my entire life, with the sole exception being my ability to pick amazing grace off of a poorly tuned guitar. Forgetting that fact for a moment, the band here at Notre Dame has meant quite a bit to me over the past few years. Beyond having a roomate in the band, and several friends in O'Neill that took part in it, I have established a hard-to-explain friendship with the band. So much so, in fact, that the highlight of my gamedays, over the past few years, was the jog (skip, dance) back up the tunnel to be greeted by the Victory March.
Moving on, I went to the banquet at South Dining Hall, and had a blast from start to finish. The company I kept at the "officers' table" was wonderful and the people I was able to speak with throughout the evening were incredible. I only wish I wasn't able to ruin so many pictures by being in them (people looked so nice!).
The highlight of my evening actually came before I stood to speak before the band. I was given a gift of four shamrocks in a shadow box. Though I was thrilled to be receiving any kind of gift at all, I was ecstatic when I was told the symbolism of a green, silver, gold, and diamond shamrock. For those of you who don't know, the shamrock is kind of a monogram for the band. Your first year, you get the green shamrock to wear on your uniform. Each subsequent year, you get a silver, gold, or diamond shamrock, to wear on your uniform. The tangible nature of the gift meant little to me compared to the concept of being adopted as a member of the greatest band in the world.
In short, it was a wonderful evening of fun, food, and fellowship. I was able to meet and speak with people whom I highly respect and hope to see do amazing things in my time. And I'm honored and proud to be the owner of four honorary shamrocks.
In Love,
Bobby
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