The Ark and Her Cadets

How many cadets has this house seen enter and exit through her doors? It was built by a cadet of the Class of 1894, my great grandfather, Samuel Pickens Anderson. All three of his sons were cadets. My grandfather's two sons in law were cadets. I can't even begin to imagine how many countless friends each of them brought with them over to this most special of houses. And now, 100 years after The Ark was built, Henry Miller Anderson III walked through that backdoor as a Citadel cadet. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it. You could take that picture of Miller, and other than the age of the photograph, substitute any one of these older men and not be able to tell what year it was taken. There's something comforting about things that don't change a lot - The Ark, the uniforms, the bald heads, the joy of being out on leave for even a few hours. As fast paced and crazy as our lives can get, it's nice to know some things stay the same.

When it was time for them to head back to Sing Sing on the Ashley, Miller made a point of hugging Poppa and telling him goodbye and thank you. Holding his only grandson, his namesake, dressed in his Citadel uniform, was nearly more than Poppa could bear. His blood runs Citadel blue and other than the church and his family, I don't know os anything he holds more dear.He was so proud of Miller. It brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad they could share in that moment. And I am even happier that Miller has chosen to follow in our grandfather's footsteps. Perhaps he'll be another Anderson in the Summerall Guard. Maybe he'll be a company or batallion commander. Whatever he chooses, he made the most important step when he decided he wanted to be like Poppa. There aren't many men like him. The world would be a better place if there were. I'll be proud of my sons if they become men like Poppa and the man Miller is becoming.