When we visited the campus of the Citadel it was a week-end with visiting parents and family members. Because I am among the uninitiated, I'm still not quite sure what was occurring. Large groups of cadets ran from the barracks and around the Parade Grounds. Before each group finished and returned to their barracks, several individuals had to be helped in order to finish. The harness-type backpacks apparently had a cooling device on the back for the health and comfort of some who needed them. I got this information from some of the family bystanders who were watching from the curb as we were. It was a parade-of-sorts involving the Knobs. . . a recognition day, I guess. Knobs are so-called because of their shaved heads.
Recognition Day signifies the end of the freshman journey as knobs. The regimented knob lifestyle -- short haircuts, frequent bracing, walking fast paced in single file -- will cease on Recognition Day. It is the culmination of the rigid discipline endured throughout knob year and the beginning of a new era.
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