Goodbye Until We Meet Again: The Davison Saber Tradition

As Missouri Military Academy (MMA) prepares to conclude its 136th academic year on Saturday, May 17, 2025, a time-honored tradition will once again mark the transition of leadership within the MMA Corps of Cadets. During Final Formation and Au Revoir, the “Davison Saber” will be ceremoniously transferred to the incoming cadet battalion commander — a symbolic gesture representing the continuity of leadership, legacy and brotherhood at MMA. Feature photo taken during Final Formation 2023: The 2023-24 cadet Battalion Commander (BC) Bradley Thumbi ’24 receives the Davison Saber from BC Marco Afane Giammattei ’23.

Scroll down to see a video from Final Formation 2024.

The outgoing BC Michael Machary-Pagan ’22 passes the Davison Saber to the incoming BC Marco Afane Giammattei ’23 during Final Formation 2023.

The Davison Saber tradition was established in 1978 by Drs. Jean and George Davison in honor of their sons, George Davison ’68 and Dean Davison ’78. First presented during Dean's graduation year, the saber was created to underscore the enduring spirit of the corps of cadets — a message that Final Formation is not an end, but rather a continuation. 

This year, the ceremony carries added meaning as George Davison ’68 — whose name and family are forever tied to the saber tradition — will return to campus to deliver the 2025 commencement address.

Final Formation is a moving and symbolic ceremony, shares Davison. Here, he describes the event, drawing upon memories from his time as a cadet:

The corps marches onto front campus to the stirring notes of "On Academy." After the corps has formed, cadet officers are called "Front and Center," where they greet each other and extend best wishes for the future. After the cadet officers return to their posts, the corps is given the command, "At Ease." As the band plays "Auld Lang Syne," cadets in the ranks greet each other and wish their comrades, "Goodbye until we meet again" (au revoir). Next, the corps is called to attention and ordered to present arms. Buglers play Echo Taps, and the colors are lowered for the last time, marking the end of the school year. As the final notes of Echo Taps fade, the corps will 'Order Arms.' Then, the battalion commander issues his final command, "Dismissed!"

 "Au revoir came into the lexicon from World War I. I think it is a most fitting phrase," says Davison. "It describes well what occurs during Final Formation. It is a time to say 'Goodbye until we meet again' to friends and colleagues."

"During my eight Final MMA Formations, cadets would raise a loud cheer and throw their hats into the air following the command, 'Dismissed," Davison adds. "Some cadets would throw their hats into Teardrop Lake, and the locals would be on hand to fish out the hats."

BC Bradley Thumbi ’24 ceremoniously passes leadership to the new BC Cadet Mason Brooks ’25 during Final Formation 2024.

Davison's connection to MMA spans decades. A native of Mercer, Missouri, he enrolled at MMA as a fifth grader and rose to serve as B Company Commander in the Junior School. He earned accolades, including Best Drilled Old Boy and Superior Cadet and was named Most Versatile Cadet his senior year, graduating as a cadet captain and band commander.

After MMA, Davison earned a journalism degree and a law degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. His diverse career has included work in broadcasting, higher education and law. A longtime supporter of MMA, Davison served for more than 20 years on the Academy’s Board of Visitors and Board of Trustees. His legacy continues through his grandsons, current cadets Eli ’30 and Sean ’27 Mumm.

The Davison family's connection to the Academy also continues through Dean Davison's service as a current MMA Board of Trustees member.

The Davison Saber is on display in Stribling Hall. 

As cadets, families, faculty and alumni gather for Final Formation, the traditions that define MMA — leadership, loyalty and lifelong bonds — will be on full display. The Davison Saber, the echoing notes of Taps and George Davison’s own words will remind all in attendance that while each year ends, the spirit of the Academy marches on.

Below, watch a video from Final Formation 2024: