Dr. Kenneth Dye( Director of Bands UND) and Ms.Erin Harding ( VP Student Affairs UND),

We the undersigned Alumni, Students, Subway Alumni and Friends of the Notre Dame and St. Mary's Community understand that you have disbanded the famous 65 Year Old Irish Guard and reconstituted it as a part of the Marching Band with its members chosen from the Band itself or its managers.

We also understand that you have eliminated the 6'2" height requirement and limited Irish Guard participation to one to two years as opposed to the traditional Guard's three to four years.  We understand, further, that you made the change to create more leadership positions within the Band.

The Guard was started in 1949 and is an ICONIC TRADITION at Notre Dame, one of the highlights of a Notre Dame football weekend, on Bond Quad, leading the Band through campus to the Stadium and out of the tunnel and in pre-game ceremonies like the flag raising. Please watch the accompanying video which may remind you of why Notre Dame fans and friends love and admire the Irish Guard Tradition.

We ask you to reconsider your decision and Restore The Traditional Irish Guard. While your purpose may be well-meaning, it does not outweigh the damage that the change may cause. With three to four years experience, the traditional Irish Guard performed with military precision. With the height requirement,stature, and posture, it presented a most imposing sight. To create resume builders for a small number of Band members hardly justifies the destruction of a Notre Dame football tradition.

Please bring back the Real Irish Guard.