I recently “acquired” a piece of terrazzo marble. I’m still not sure what to do with it. But the strips symbolize so much of my academy experience. I collect challenge coins and the ‘63 to me symbolizes so much. As does the 82 Tiger Ten Huzzah mugs. The class crest and its symbols tell a story as does the Ring Dance and 100s Night glasses. I probably should have thrown my lockbox and copy of Contrails in the photo too.. Symbols are meaningless unless they evoke memories. The boots was day one issue and I can’t bear to part with them. BCT, Hell Week, SERE and the parade in the snow. The boots were there. The 50 Year scarf represents that we are not alone. 50 years of women across five academies. I feel connected Putting these pieces together made me cry. Something we weren’t allowed to do. But the oldest thing has the same symbology when paired with the newest thing, the scarf, and its symbols. Things change but the links remain.