Stealing the pride and joy of a fan and alum
Dennis Ciancio
class of '95
Disappointed. Irate. Disenchanted. As you might expect this has something to do with football, but nothing to do with action from the Stadium. I have known Col. Richard Lochner, '61, for six years. Saturday was the first time I would ever use those words to describe him.
Col. Lochner lives in "the house with the flags" at the corner of Notre Dame Ave. and Angela.
He admirably exemplifies God, Country, Notre Dame. He feels obligated to preserve that corner with all the spit and polish of a good Marine. For all the alumni or friends of the University I have ever met, he fully embodies the spirit of Notre Dame.
What is his reward? Twenty-three flags have been stolen, only to be replaced as quickly as he can fly a new one up the pole. Never is this Marine to allow another individual tarnish his post.
Recently Colonel Lochner purchased a large banner reading, "Go Irish, Beat — !" The "—" is a velcro portion for each opponent. Most importantly, the banner continued, "The Lochner-Ciancio Families welcome classes of '37, '61, '93, '95, '00! Please stop in and say hi."
His pride swelled when we hung it atop his stone fireplace. One alumnus stopped to have his picture taken after the Texas A&M game. His sole gratification is to make his corner a visible sign of family, our family, the Notre Dame family.
Stolen! Maybe that was to be expected, but what a shameful expectation! Perhaps it was some visitor taking a trophy of South Bend home. However, I personally suspect it is not far from the shadow of Our Lady.
My suspicions are not important, my message is. Theft by one of his own family cuts deep. This is not a trophy for a dorm wall — this is a testament to family. Get something else to cover off-white paint. Return the sign — no questions asked. Or, if you happen to see it, demand it returned.
Shame on whomever for taking it. Shame on us for letting down one of our own by not making it right.
Dennis Ciancio
class of '95
September 19, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, September 28, 2000
