The spirit lives on...

[StatTiger 3,188]

The original photograph (Toomers) was taken by Gary Rockwell. I added the other images but if you are interested in the orginal, please vist the following website.

http://ashleywarrenstudios.com/blog/?p=2283

My first visit to Toomer’s Corner came during the fall of 1979, where my older brother, who was a student at Auburn University, indoctrinated me into the long-standing tradition of celebrating an Auburn victory. Though unique at the time, I must admit I was not overwhelmed by the moment but that time would eventually arrive. I was fifteen years old at the time and my mind was consumed by the actual victory itself and not the celebration, which followed.

I was too young to understand the power of symbolism, which meant the architecture must possess something that appeals to the human heart. Like the American flag, it is more than just stitching and cloth. It’s a symbol of our liberty and freedom. It represents the history of our nation for whom many of men and women have paid the ultimate price. It’s the universally recognized symbol that brings many to tears during the playing of our national anthem.

No… I did not comprehend the true meaning of Toomer’s Corner but each return to those shady oaks, the memories began to assemble. My brother proposed to his wife under the outstretched green. After several visits to Toomers, I began to focus on the people around me more so than the act of tossing toilet paper into her arms. I saw men and women, children and grandparents… I saw family. It would become a place I brought my three sons to and shared many of kisses with my wife. It felt safe, which is why so many found comfort and the joy of simply being there.

Over the years, I have taken countless pictures of Toomers and as much as they were all the same, they were different. It was always a different crowd but the spirit remained the same. With this spirit there are no constraints to the human will. There are no barriers to thwart progress or the aspiration to succeed. It was the spirit found in our football team, which resulted in perfection. It was the spirit that has followed Auburn graduates to success in all their endeavors.

As sad as it is to envision the demise of the Toomer oaks, her spirit will remain steadfast. Despite the animosity of our enemy, Auburn will always prevail. The splendor of Toomer’s Corner is only a symbol of the true meaning of our gathering and what it represents for so many, for countless reasons. When Coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan past away, many of Auburn people could not maintain a dry eye. In death, he became a symbol of the Auburn way and through this symbolism, his spirit lives on today. In reality, landmarks can be replaced but the spirit of Toomer’s corner will continue to be passed on from generation to generation.

[AUn Collierville 1]

Absolutely awesome image!! Shug, Dye, Chiz, Sully, Bo, Cam, and Jim Fyffe. WDE and War Damn Toomer's!

[RunInRed 18,218]

That's good stuff Stat. Good stuff.

[nanatiger 3]

Amen, sir, amen.

[AU alum 2]

Well said, Stat.

[StatTiger 3,188]

another version of Toomers...

[TigerGlide 1]

Not trying to be a buzzkill, but where is Tubs?

[StatTiger 3,188]

Not trying to be a buzzkill, but where is Tubs?

I put the three Heisman winners along with their HC's.

[rtftiger 40]

Not trying to be a buzzkill, but where is Tubs?

Lubbock, Texas. Any other questions?

[OldNewby 27]

Not trying to be a buzzkill, but where is Tubs?

Lubbock, Texas. Any other questions?

Is duck season over yet? (apologies to Proud Tiger)