I take it you are from the l-CAL side. I don't get the impression there was a tremendous amount of camrarderie and historical relevance from that side. Seems due to most wanting to forget the past and many of them definitely hoping you wouldn't look up their past. Everyone just looked forward because that was a better picture. If you don't like the ball ceremony it doesn't really matter because you are over the hurdle of new hire school. Howecer, I have flown with many people that really enjoyed the new hire experience and the ceremony over the years.