"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more."
Oprah Winfrey
The Norwich University Class A Tunic uniform is a very unpopular uniform. It has an awkward neck, it's the uniform worn by those on marching tours, and it's the only uniform Rooks are authorized to leave campus with. It's almost never worn as a uniform, with a few exceptions. Enter the Thanksgiving Dinner.
After a few hours of preparation, in the form of some remedial uniform inspections, we were told to get into our tunic uniforms and fall out in the hallway. We had only ever been able to wear the tunics a few times, namely to leave for Parent's weekend and mid-semester break, so seeing our cadre proudly wearing theirs was a nice change of pace. One of our squad leaders took the honor of marching us down to chow that night.
We were in formation outside of Alumni Hall. He called a right face and began marching. With a chuckle, he said to guide on as he told us to take the long way to the chow hall. Then, to our surprise, he began calling a marching cadence. Unlike many other platoons on the hill at that point, we had been told that cadences had to be earned, and we were not worthy. Then, booming at us to sound off, he began what would become our signature cadence. 16-4-3, prouder than any platoon on the hill, marched onward to chow. After a few motivational pushups, we went inside.
The chow hall was crowded, with our table connected in one big U shape with the other platoons in the company. 4th Company was in full attendance. Our company commander said a few words, and then instructed us to go eat. Now, at Norwich, the food is generally mocked for a variety of reasons, as are most cafeterias. Norwich's Thanksgiving Dinner was a whole new ballpark. Everything was fantastic. Perfectly cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. A selection of pies that made even our cadre's mouths water. We were instructed to eat at ease that night.
It's times like these that bring us together. Everyone has those meaningful memories in college. Some might be parties, concerts, or breaks. One of mine is a night where everyone dressed up in the same outfit (shocker) and ate some of the best food I've had in a long time. It's Norwich Tradition to spend time with your Rook platoons during Thanksgivings after your freshman year. 4-3 always has a seat with me. Happy Thanksgiving!
Marching On,
RCT Outsa
16-4-3
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