Proclamation
Whereas, RUGBY is an international team sport that originated in Wales some 125 years ago, and was an olympic event in 1924 and 1928, won both times by the Americans; and
Whereas, in June of 1985, forty-five Welchmen representing the Pill Harriers Rugby Team from Newport, South Wales, came to Springfield, Missouri, for a weekend of fun and games; and
Whereas, these Harriers readily embraced Open Sesame to enjoy all the pleasures and hospitality of the Ozarks, and it is suspected that some twenty-two of them may still be indulging in the joy out at The Town House; and
Whereas, a second flank of twenty-eight Harriers have returned this summer to fetch those Pills back; and so long as they're here, we all may as well partake of the local enjoyments and conviviance; and maybe next year we can welcome yet another flank of Welsh Harriers for all the same reasons;
Whereas, the generous fraternity, mutual respect, and exemplary sportsmanship among Rugby players, both on and off the field, is unmatched by any other genre of homo-sapien game; and
Now, therefore I, Thomas J. Carlson, Mayor of the City of
Springfield, Missouri. do hereby proclaim
May 30, 1987, as
PILL HARRIERS DAY
in Springfield, and further vouch for the fact that we are indeed honored to welcome once again our esteemed guests from Wales, and thrilled to show off our friendly Ozark hospitality and abundant nature. -- We are truly delighted to have this opportunity to share both.
Thomas J. Carlson, Mayor
24 April 1987
SPRINGFIELD RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
FOUNDED 1983
Welcome, Fans, Friends, and Honored Guests.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you to the second match between the Pill Harriers RFC and the Springfield RFC.
Many people have worked hard to make this match possible and I am sorry I don't have the room to mention all of them by name. Jon "Pappy" Moore and David "Scoop" Thornton have worked long hours to make this club and this weekend possible and for this we owe them and everyone who works so hard a big THANKS.
To the Pill Harriers I sincerely hope that your American Tour is a BIG SUCCESS and that we will see you back in the near future.
Yours in Rugby,
Ronnie Ray Kitchens, President
Affiliated to the United States Rugby Football Union and the Heart of America Rugby Football Union
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
STATE OF MISSOURI
JEFFERSON CITY
JOHN ASHCROFT
GOVERNOR
May 30. 1987
Dear Friends:
As Governor of the State of Missouri. it is my pleasure to
extend warm Missouri welcome to the members of the Pill
Harrier Rugby Football Club. We are delighted to have you
visit our state.
I extend my congratulations on the dedication to excellence and
skill which has brought you to this competition, and to
the spectators I extend my best wishes for a thrilling game. I
hope during your stay you will have time to explore and enjoy
some of our state's many attractions.
Springfield, Missouri, located in the ruggedly beautiful Ozark
Mountain country of our state, offers excellent accommodations
and hospitality. Whether you enjoy exploring historical sites,
the beauty of untouched wilderness areas, cultural pursuits or
the family fun offered by theme parks, you will discover a city
rich in natural beauty, hospitality and attractions.
My best wishes to you for a pleasant stay in Missouri.
Sincerely,
John Ashcroft
GOVERNOR