52 Ancestors for 52 Weeks - Week 16 - Storms
Like I usually do, I am going to go in a different direction with this.
In our local newspaper's section "Looking Back" 20 Years Ago Oct. 22, 1964, it was announced that there was going to be an organization of the junior color guard. It was going to be an all girl guard, the average age of the girls was 14, and guard would be called "The White Tornadoes", I think you may have a hint of where I am going with storms.
Their first competition was July 4, 1965. Although she was too young to be a member of the original corp, my sister, Diane, soon was accepted as a member of the White Tornadoes.
They hit the ground running and were soon receiving awards everywhere they went. It wasn't too long before they were known nationwide. And they grew as a corp.
My sister was like the other members of the corp. Very dedicated. I have to say at this point, that my sister lost interest fast in a lot of things in her life, but the corp kept her attention.
The White Tornadoes were SO good, that by March of 1968, The Momence White Tornadoes Drum and Bugle Corps was formed. This group consisted of 90 boys of girls between the ages of 12-21. The sole purpose of the group was to promote respect to the Flag of the United States of America and to develop the good character of the young men and women for the future.
I have to say, that I certainly noticed a difference in my sister's life. The stringent rules and regulations that the corps enforced were good for her. She went into the corp kind of rebellious. But when she came out after graduating from high school in 1971, she was a mature, graceful woman. She was a rifle carrier, and learned how to toss the rifle, clean it, and do all of the tricks that were necessary in belonging to the corp.
I am very proud of my sister and what she accomplished, being a member of this wonderful group, that won many National awards
My sister in her gear.
My sister in one of their famous formations. [[Smith-159494|Diane Rae Smith]]