Editorial
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Title
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Editorial
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Date
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April 1941
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volume
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6
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issue
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2
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page start
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2
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2
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en
EDITORIAL
April 22, 1941 will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Amateur Fencers League of America. This is a most important anniversary for American fencers, marking the completion of a half century of progress in the development of the sport.
The A. F. L. A. was founded by a group of fencers anxious to take the sport outside the jurisdiction and confining influence of the A. A. U., which at that time conducted all fencing competitions under its auspices. Fencers have always been individualists and it was probably inevitable that the day would arrive when fencers would no longer feel comfortable or satisfied as one group among many under a large, diversified national organization. The amazing thing about the A. F. L. A.’s formation is not the fact so much as the early period in which it occurred.
The actual schism with the A. A. U. lasted only one year. Cordial relations between the two organizations have been maintained ever since, but the A. F. L. A. has retained its identity and activities as the governing body of American fencing. During its fifty years, the League has expanded and prospered. It has gained the respect of all other sports organizations in this country. What is equally important, it has made American fencing recognized throughout the world.
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Of the ten men who originally gathered on April 22, 1891 to found the A. F. L. A., Dr. Graeme M. Hammond, its first President, remains the sole survivor. As first President, he served from 1891 to 1925, a period of 34 years. He is its Honorary President at the present time and retains an active interest in its activities and championships. As President Emeritus of the American Olympic Committee, his position in the hearts of all American athletes and sportsmen is well indicated. In deserving a position of such honor as a man, Dr. Hammond has done fencing more service. He has made it obvious to non-fencers that fencing is a sport of character.
