SUMMERALL GUARDS--HISTORY
From Knob Knowledge
In 1932, Lang's Grenadiers, which were named after the Commandant, was formed as the senior precision drill team of The Citadel. Lang's resignation in 1933 caused the unit's name to be changed to the Bond Volunteers. Later, this name was used to designate the junior drill team (distinct from the Junior Sword Drill). The senior drill team then became known as the Summerall Guards.
At this time, the Summerall Guards and the Bond Volunteers were two separate units. When they marched together the combined unit was known as the Richardson Rifles.
In 1943, 1944, and 1945 the Bond Volunteers did not exist. In 1946, they ceased being a separate entity. Instead, they became the junior aspirants for the Summerall Guards. They no longer gave separate exhibitions.
Besides Citadel affairs, the Summerall Guards have also marched at Mardi Gras, Walt Disney World, Presidential Inaugural Parades, Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., Gasparill Festival in Tampa, and the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah.
At the 1978 Mardi Gras, the Summerall Guards behaved improperly during the parade. The Citadel disbanded them and they were not invited back to Mardi Gras the following year.
(Sources: Brigadier, February 13, 1981, February 15, 1980; New York Times, March 10, 1978, p. 16; The Sphinx; The Guidon; Dennis D. Nicholson, History of The Citadel: The Years of Summerall and Clark.) For additional information see Summerall Guards. (HN)
