And now AMI offers a guest commentary from Nate "Tank" Heath, one of the founders of the esteemed "Mustache March," who can also be reached via e-mail at tank@moustachemarch.com:
Why Moustache March?
Well, I say, "Why not?" and so do
many others. Since our humble beginnings in 2003 with only three of us,
we have steadily grown into an International phenomenon. For us it is a
no-brainer, the moustache is something to be respected and honored
year-round. However, with an equal respect for our ladies, we have
decided that March is the one month per year to wear one ourselves. It
works out great to grow our winter beards thick for warmth and then
welcome in spring with the 'stache.
We don't look at it as a
contest, but as a tribute. How many of our heroes of the 1970s and '80s
had 'staches? Most of them. How many men respect the 'stache today? Not
enough.
We also pick a theme each year to help inspire us in our
activities. 2006 was the Moustache Army, 2007 was the National
Moustache Association (think NBA) and 2008 is a "Rock Tour" theme.
Our website, www.moustachemarch.com, is full of pictures, music and videos of our crew sporting mustaches and having fun.
You
might also notice that the American Mustache Institute drops the "O"
from moustache, where we do not. From my research, moustache is the
more traditional spelling and mustache is the Americanized spelling. So
spell it how you want, but a 'stache is a 'stache. Isn't it time to
represent the most masculine of masculine hair features, even if it is
just one month a year?
Live the 'Stache,
Nate "Tank" Heath
About afroman
The name “Abe Froman” is most commonly recognized as the ubiquitous and unseen character who’s identity is briefly assumed by actor Matthew Broderick in the film “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.” However, Abraham Froman is much more.
Dr. Froman, a Capricorn, began his career with AMI as an intern, and after receiving his certification in nuclear mustacheology in 2006, transitioned his role into the organization’s Director of Logistical Intelligence, focusing on research, government relations, intelligence gathering, grass roots advocacy, and song writing.
On October 25, 2008, he will ascend to the role of Chief Executive Officer, replacing Dr. Aaron Perlut, who previously led the organization as Executive Director.
“I am honored to assume the chair held by Drs. Snor and Perlut previously,” Froman said. “The Mustached American people need leadership, and I pledge that AMI, under my stewardship, will continue to provide it at a time when it is so desperately needed.”
Dr. Froman has said that his future goals for AMI is to create satellite campus’s overseas and to develop an annual event to be known as "The Million Mustache March" each year in St. Louis, concluding under the world’s largest mustache – St. Louis’ Gateway Arch.
Froman formerly lived in the Chicago area where he ran a museum dedicated to the "Karate Kid" series of films starring the indefatigable Pat Morita.
As Abe likes to say, "One can never tire of Pat Morita."