Semper Fidelis True Blue

You folks can see that I shrug off capitalism here at Scotty Hockey, with the feeling being that the Garden gets enough of our money. If you want to spend any more (or have any more) of it then you should give to charity. While I always advocate donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (the link is permanently on the right side of the page), today I bring you another fantastic cause; I turn to fellow season subscriber Joe Burke to fill you in and hope that you will give what you can:

Dear Ranger Fans:

I would first like to thank Scotty for posting this letter. Scotty’s heart, like most Ranger fans, is in the right place. I would also like to thank my fellow fans for making this season a somewhat enjoyable experience. I say somewhat, because the final days of the Renney Era were pretty damn rough. Being a part of the Ranger community and sharing a couple of sarcastic laughs helped to ease the pain.

I have always maintained that the best Ranger teams reflect the characteristics of the typical Ranger fan, the Ranger teams that have achieved any kind of success have always been loyal, willing to suffer and sacrifice for the greater good, rewarded effort and integrity, and had a limited tolerance for b.s. It seems that Tortorella respects these qualities and is searching for players who exhibit them. This is good news.

That being said, I write to you in the hope of enlisting your support for another group of individuals who exhibit these same qualities, the United States Marine Corp. From May 1st through May 4th, I will be taking part in a Marine Corp Charity Bike Ride from the Iwo Jima Memorial located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. to Ground Zero here in New York City. The entire trip is a little less than three hundred miles.

I have the honor of riding with several Marine Corp combat veterans who have recently served in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are riding to raise money for the Marine Corp-Law Enforcement Foundation or MC-LEF, specifically, to meet the educational and medical needs of the children of Marines who have been killed in combat. A better cause there is not. If you are interested in the foundation and its goals please check out the link provided below for more details.

I know that this is not the best time to be asking for a charitable donation so anything you may be able to do is greatly appreciated. Ten, fifteen, twenty bucks, every little bit helps.

I can say with pride that the Ranger Fan always knows what is right, whether it is still giving Steven McDonald and his family a standing ovation twenty-three years later or always showing the utmost respect when the FDNY Color Guard comes out for the anthem. This is what sets us apart from other fans and I love it.

The easiest way to donate is online. From the MC-LEF’s main site, follow this link to donate.

We ask that people note in the comments box that their donation is in support of the 2009 Charity Bike Ride, and please state that the donation is coming from the New York Ranger Community. Whatever you want, “Let’s Go Rangers” or maybe you would like to express your feelings towards a certain television analyst for the Florida Panthers.

Thank you again.

With Gratitude

Joseph M. Burke
Section 330

 Semper Fidelis True Blue: Exploring the Rangers' Loyalty

In the world of professional sports, loyalty is a rare and cherished quality. It's the unwavering commitment of players, coaches, and fans to a team, a bond that transcends wins and losses. For the New York Rangers, this loyalty is often referred to as "Semper Fidelis True Blue." In this article, we will delve into the concept of Semper Fidelis True Blue, explore its significance to the Rangers and their fan base, and address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this enduring commitment.

What is Semper Fidelis True Blue?

Semper Fidelis True Blue, often shortened to "True Blue," is a phrase that encapsulates the deep loyalty and devotion that New York Rangers fans have for their team. "Semper Fidelis" is a Latin phrase meaning "Always Faithful," and in the context of the Rangers, it signifies the unwavering support that fans provide, regardless of the team's performance.

The History of True Blue

The New York Rangers are one of the Original Six teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), and their history is rich with tradition and passion. True Blue has been a part of the team's culture for decades, dating back to the franchise's founding in 1926. Over the years, it has become synonymous with the Rangers and their dedicated fan base.

The Significance of True Blue

True Blue represents more than just fan loyalty; it's a symbol of the Rangers' enduring presence in the hearts of New Yorkers and hockey fans worldwide. Here's why it holds such significance:

Loyalty Through Thick and Thin: Rangers fans are known for sticking with their team through good times and bad. Regardless of whether the team is contending for the Stanley Cup or going through a rebuilding phase, True Blue fans are there to support them.

Shared History: The Rangers have a storied history that includes multiple Stanley Cup championships. True Blue fans take pride in this history and embrace it as part of their identity.

Community and Camaraderie: Being part of the True Blue community means joining a network of passionate fans who share a common love for the Rangers. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among fans.

The Garden's Aura: Madison Square Garden, the Rangers' home arena, has an aura of its own. True Blue fans consider it a sacred place where memories are made, and they flock to the Garden to create new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About True Blue

How do Rangers fans express their loyalty through True Blue?

Rangers fans express their loyalty in various ways, including attending games, wearing team merchandise, participating in fan traditions, and supporting the team on social media.

Are there any specific fan traditions associated with True Blue?

Yes, there are several fan traditions, such as chanting "Let's Go Rangers!" during games, singing "The Rangers Victory Song" after wins, and celebrating Hat Tricks by throwing hats onto the ice.

Do other teams have similar fan loyalty concepts?

Yes, many sports teams have passionate fan bases with their own loyalty concepts. For example, the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL are known for their "Steeler Nation" of devoted fans.

Has True Blue ever wavered during challenging times for the Rangers?

While there may be moments of frustration during tough seasons, True Blue fans have a reputation for standing by their team and showing support even in challenging times.

What is the role of the Rangers organization in fostering True Blue?

The Rangers organization actively engages with fans, hosts events, and embraces fan traditions to foster the True Blue spirit. They also recognize and celebrate the loyalty of their fan base.

Semper Fidelis True Blue is more than just a slogan; it's a way of life for New York Rangers fans. It's a commitment to a team that has captured the hearts of generations and a symbol of the enduring bond between the Rangers and their loyal supporters. Through victories and defeats, the True Blue spirit shines brightly, illuminating the path for future generations of Rangers fans. It's a testament to the enduring power of sports to unite people and communities around a common cause – the love of the game and the team they hold dear.