Senate Resolution 0172: Oct. 20 to be Willis Ward day
A Senate Resolution to make Oct. 20 Willis Ward Day in Michigan was introduced today in Lansing.
Bonus fun: One of the sponsors of the bill is named Tupac.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(5rxhvb555lstn3vowwrn0n55))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=2012-SR-0172
September 20th, 2012 at 9:44 AM ^
Never new Yosts' father was a confederate soldier.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120809/SPORTS0201/208090331\
Hope it goes through.
September 20th, 2012 at 9:46 AM ^
September 20th, 2012 at 9:56 AM ^
At the tailgate I was at this past weekend, one of the guests was the son of a Charles Bernard, teammate of President Ford and Mr. Ward. I was completely fascinated by this man's direct connection to these two historic figures. Obviously Mr. Bernard is much older now but he recollected stories from his childhood of these 3 gentlemen as if he was talking about old drinking buddies.
One of characteristics of the 1934 team that impresses me the most (considering the social climate of the era) was how solidified the entire team was regarding Mr. Ward. Perhaps I'm underestimating the good men of Michigan, but let's be honest, the country was fresh off the depression, segregation was commonplace in far too many establishments, and we're talking about 18-22 year old testosterone-laced athletes. For each man to remain steadfastly supportive of Mr. Ward makes me feel even more proud to be Michigan alum.
Go Blue!
(commence cool story bro comments)
September 20th, 2012 at 10:26 AM ^
I'm sure everyone will mean it.
September 20th, 2012 at 10:50 AM ^
from faculty and students in support of Willis Ward is impressive for the time as well.
September 20th, 2012 at 10:34 AM ^
Is there anything in the Big House honoring Ward? That would be a good thing to do, IMO. It wouldn't have to be big. It would be good to have just a small reminder that Michigan has made mistakes in the past - but owned up and moved on, especially given that Yost's name can still be found on campus (which I wouldn't change).
September 20th, 2012 at 10:48 AM ^
Makes me wonder if jersey 61 will be given a legends patch at the game on Oct 20 in honor of Willis Ward.
September 27th, 2012 at 5:46 PM ^
The State of Michigan just gave Willis Ward his due. Now it's time for U-M to step up.
Thus far, Oct. 20 is going to be celebrated as Willis Ward Day everywhere in Michigan - except the one place where it SHOULD be celebrated - Michigan Stadium.
Sign the petition to urge U-M to honor Ward at the MSU game, on the anniversary of the Georgia Tech game.
http://www.change.org/petitions/honor-willis-ward
You can also order the documentary about the game at stunt3.com. Awesome story.