THE OCCASION: WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AT CROWN HILL CEMETARY, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
W e are assembled here today to pay homage to our Revered Founders Elder Watson Diggs, Ezra Dee Alexander and Guy Levis Grant as well as our venerable Second Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong. It is through the extraordinary and visionary efforts of our principal Founder Elder Watson Diggs, that our Noble Klan was formed. Founder Diggs, whom we have affectionately referred to as ‘the Dreamer’, ex- pended much of his finances, time and contemplation to form of our dear fraternity. His soft spoken demeanor, balanced by his unrelenting pursuit for perfection is exemplified in our fundamental purpose. Founder Diggs’ unyielding quest for academic achievement was reflect- ed by him leading by example; being the first African American to re- ceive a degree from Indiana University’s School of Education in 1916. Founder Diggs was supported by an exceptionally proficient cast of men, including native Bloomingtonian Ezra D. Alexander and fellow In- diana Hoosier Guy L. Grant. Both of those Founders contributed might- ily to the establishment and longevity of the fraternity. They further epitomized achievement against all odds by earning their MD and DDS
degrees at Indiana University in 1919 and 1920 respectively.
Our Second Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong was an iconic figure who served Kappa in various capacities. He led the fraternity as Grand Polemarch while serving the country in WWI. He faithfully contributed and served Kappa for 85 years. We stand on the shoulders of these great men. We join together in the heartland of America, in the state where our fraternity was con- ceived. We have come to lay wreaths at their final resting places to celebrate the lives they lived and as a symbol of the undying spirit of Phi Nu Pi. We give tribute to Founders Diggs, Alexander and Grant and Past Grand Polemarch Armstrong; 22 years after the last of them crossed the River Jordan into the Chapter Invisi- ble. Let us reflect on their journey of achievements and have them to inspire us to accomplish the very best within us. This is the occasion.
—Kevin Scott, Grand Historian
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