Wednesday, the Auburn family learned the tragic news that its beloved oak trees at Toomer's Corner have been poisoned.
Though the investigation is ongoing, all of the signs point to the actions of a lone criminal who was outraged following his team's loss in the Iron Bowl.
While every member of the Auburn family is undoubtedly outraged at the deplorable actions of this man, we must exercise caution and sound judgement in a moment like this.
Now is the time when we show what makes Auburn the classiest school in the Southeastern Conference, and for that matter, the entire nation.
At this time we do not have all of the facts. At the time of this printing, an arrest has not been made in the investigation.
We do not know how long the trees have to live or how far the damage has spread.
Though it is easy to point the finger at the University of Alabama, the crime was committed by a single actor, and though his loyalties may lie with the Tide, his actions do not represent the University of Alabama community.
Nonetheless, another ugly page has certainly been turned in this most historic of rivalries.
Now is not a time for outrage. It is a time for us to come together as a university.
Following the most exciting season in most of our lives, Auburn has been a city of nonstop jubilation.
Joy is the only word that could be used to describe the spirit this community has felt in the weeks since our NCAA National Championship victory.
Wednesday's news will not change this. Ours is a spirit that is not afraid. We proved this time and again this season. When we were written off, we battled back.
Yes, we will mourn. But this community will come back with a roar heard beyond Tuscaloosa.
We do not know for how much longer we have our trees.
In the meantime, we will roll them as we have done with every victory celebration. We will party downtown with our trees towering behind us. We will snap pictures with friends and share in the joy Toomer's has given this town for generations.
Now is a time to sing the fight song. Now is a time to shake our shakers and pump our fists. Now is a time to link arms and sing our Alma Mater before the beautiful oaks that hold more than a century of memories.
Now we will raise our voices as one and shout, "War Eagle!"
Let the nation hear us. Again.
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