On September 10th, 11th and 12th, 2004, alumni, staff and supporters of one the best junior drum and bugle corps ever, reunited at the Marriott Resort in Lincolnshire, Illinois, to celebrate 70 years of the Vanguard traditions of excellence and brotherhood and sisterhood.
Friday evening kicked off the weekend’s festivities with almost 200 people attending the "Meet & Greet" cocktail party, many of us meeting and seeing one another for the first time in well over 30 years.
On Saturday, the fun continued with morning Vanguard Golf Outing and more poolside celebrations as all awaited the centerpiece event: Saturday evening’s banquet. The Banquet included pictorials and inspirational speeches by Vanguard alumni as well as a sneak peek of a full length Vanguard DVD that was put together by long time Vanguard soprano great Sam Agnello. Additionally, there was a great display of Vanguard memorabilia, some of which was auctioned off. Entertainment was provided by Vanguard Alumni drummer Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners Jazz Band. Attendance for Saturday's Banquet exceeded 230 people.
Sunday’s final event included a breakfast buffet and a chance to see many Vanguard Alumni perform – including great performances by Vincent Chancey, Sam Harrold and many, many more.
It was great weekend - one we will all remember for a long time to come. To take a look back and relive some of the moments, take a look some of the great pictures below.
Check back here often as more and more photos are on the way and will be added as soon as they are received.