Founding:

The National Society of Scabbard and Blade was founded during the school year 1904-1905 at the University of Wisconsin by five senior officers in the cadet corps. The five founders of Scabbard and Blade were Leo M. Cook, Albert W. Foster, Victor R. Griggs, Charles A. Taylor, and Harold K. Weld.

 

Scabbard and Blade Founders

 

Founder Cook once related that he remembered well the founding of the society:

"As I remember it, one day after regimental drill, Griggs, Foster, Taylor, Weld, and myself were in the gallery watching company drill. I was talking about the organization of a military society. It was only a few minutes before the five of us were over enthusiastic with regard to the idea of starting the Society."

From the wisdom of these five founders came the establishment of this lasting society which is recognized both locally and nationally as an organization of high prestige and ideals.

The growth of the society has been steady in both members and companies. Companies have been established in many of the nation’s leading colleges and universities which have Reserve Officer Training Corps. In 1915 there were approximately 866 members; in 1921, 2,900 members; in 1930, 14,300 members; in 1940, 31,000 members; in 1950, 51,000 members; in 1960, 107,000 members; in 1980, 123,000; and in 1990 approximately 137,000 active and alumni members, as well as 8,925 honorary and associate members.

 

Purposes and Ideals:

The purposes and ideals of the Society are best stated in the Preamble to the Scabbard and Blade Constitution:

Believing that military service is an obligation of citizenship, and that the greater opportunities afforded college men and women for the study of military science place upon them certain responsibilities as citizens, we cadet officers in various colleges and universities conferring baccalaureate degrees, do form this society and adopt this constitution in order to unite in closer relationship the military departments of American universities and colleges; to preserve and develop the essential qualities of good and efficient officers; to prepare ourselves as educated men and women to take a more active part and to have greater influence in the military affairs of the communities in which we may reside; and above all to spread intelligent information concerning the military requirements of our country.

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University of Wisconsin - ROTC Program Early 1900's

 

History:

The Society has become inactive on two occasions. These were during World War I and World War II, when there were no courses of military training in universities and colleges because every able bodied man was in the service. The first National Convention was held on May 11, 1906, at Madison, Wisconsin, and was attended by representatives of the four Companies which then comprised the Society. Conventions were held annually until April 1916, after which no convention was held until February 1920. This inactivity was due to World War I. Following the 1920 meeting, conventions were held every two years. This practice continued until 1940 when war interrupted the progress of the Society and all companies were directed by General Order to bring their affairs to a close. In November 1947, after seventy companies had been reactivated, a convention was called.

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Scabbard and Blade Members at the Wisconsin State Historical Society

 

Flag Pole:

The Scabbard and Blade Flagpole has towered above the University Mall of Madison, Wisconsin since 1932. The foundation of the flagpole bears the names of the five University of Wisconsin ROTC cadets who founded of the National Scabbard and Blade Honor Society and “Mother Company” of the Society – A Company, 1st Regiment (Leo M. Cook, Albert W. Foster, Victor R. Griggs, Charles A. Taylor, and Harold K. Weld). The State Historical Society’s patriotic staff members have proudly performed flag detail every week since its inception.

  

Company A-1 Cadet stands at Society Flag Pole in late 1990s (left); and, Cadets Corey Alfred & Stefanie Kysilko (right) at the Dedicated Scabbard & Blade Flag Pole during the Centennial Convention at Madison, WI.

 

This memorial was rededicated on November 17, 1955 during the observance of the Fiftieth (Golden) Anniversary and Twenty-Seventh National Convention. The flagpole looked upon over 2400 assembled alumni, cadre, cadets, and midshipmen representing 137 existing companies. During the turbulent decades of the 1960’s and 70’s, the flagpole witnessed many protests while unfailingly and proudly flying the Stars and Stripes and State Flag of Wisconsin. Every year on Veteran’s Day, the ROTC Programs at the University of Wisconsin Madison host a ceremony in front of the Flagpole to honor those who have served to protect our freedoms. In 1999, A1 Scabbard and Blade Commander Brett Dohnal began the tradition of having members of the Scabbard and Blade individually salute and present a Scabbard and Blade coin to each assembled veteran as a way to recognize their sacrifices and service.

On 12 March 2005, with temperatures at 8 degrees Fahrenheit, the Executive Director of the Society, MG Doug Dollar and the National Commander of the Society, MAJ Dana Thorpe were joined by 42 alumni, cadre, cadets and midshipmen representing universities across the United States to transfer command of the society back to the cadets and rededicate the flagpole in honor of the Centennial of the Scabbard and Blade Society. The new National Commander, Cadet Corey Alfred and A1 Commander Stefanie Kysilko recited from the Centennial Plaque to rededicate the flagpole, and all assembled charted a course for the next millennium. Alpha Company, 1st Scabbard and Blade Regiment is currently raising funds locally to restore and refit the flagpole to its original state in 1932. You can help this noble cause by contributing directly to the Madison, WI A1 Regiment. Call (608) 265-5222 for more information.

Transition to Today:

The National Headquarters and office were moved from Fredericksburg, VA, to Stillwater, OK, in 1993. Shown passing a saber on the occasion are from left to right: Lt. Col. Joe Harris, outgoing National Executive Officer; Lt. Col. Douglas Dollar, incoming National Executive Officer; Col. Robert Vincent, former National Executive Officer; and, Mr. Ed Glover, former National Commander and Executive Officer.