Welcome to This Day in History, a column that examines intriguing moments in army history. In this edition, we will discuss the events that occurred on March 29.
Designed by MasterDS
MARCH 29 2013
Foundation of the Clover Silver Medal
The Army of Club Penguin established the Silver Medal Award on March 29, 2013, marking a significant change to its awards system. Before then, the organization honored its members mainly with the Bronze Medal Award (BMA) and the Medal of Honor, often referred to as the Gold Award. Responding to community ideas, the ACP proposed the new Silver Medal Award to increase the frequency of awards, make the BMA a more achievable milestone, and recognize achievement more effectively.
Under the redesigned system, the ACP gives the Bronze Medal Award to members who show sustained dedication at the end of every other month, beginning with the next month. Leaders award the Silver Medal Award more selectively, granting it only when they deem appropriate. The designated group of leaders includes the ACP Leader (or one leader in the case of dual leadership), both Head Generals, Boomer or Oagal, and at least two of the trio Flipper, Mchappy, and Shab.
Kenneth and Swimmer were recognized for their excellent contributions to the ACP’s USA division during the first presentation of the Silver Medal Award. Their efforts revitalized the US division bringing it back from a dwindling group of about five members to a more formidable strength of 15-20 members. Kenneth’s contributions extended beyond organizational growth; he excelled diplomatically, negotiating highly favorable treaties with both the Special Weapons And Tactics and Pirates. These achievements not only strengthened the ACP’s presence in the division, but also boosted its reputation as a respected and tenacious faction.
MARCH 29 2015
GOLDS DECLARE LOCKDOWN
The Golds went into a temporary lockdown on March 29, 2015. The leader Jack formally announced the decision on the army’s official website. In order to address persistent issues and rebuild the army, the lockdown was planned to last until May 10th, the army’s birthday. Jack clarified that the army had been unstable lately, with low morale and dwindling leadership, made worse by Club Penguin recruiting challenges brought on by a “unsuitable name.” The possibility of completely disbanding the army was carefully considered before deciding to impose a lockdown.
Jack laid out a thorough plan that included assigning new moderators, updating graphics, enhancing search terms, and revising crucial pages. Throughout this time, the Golds chat would remain open for members who wanted to stay involved, and leadership committed to enforcing regulations while constantly developing plans to strengthen the army.
2017 MARCH 29
THE DISSOLUTION OF CLUB PENGUIN
On March 29, 2017, Club Penguin, a popular online multiplayer game for children and teens, ended its eleven-year run. Club Penguin, founded in October 2005 by New Horizon Interactive and later acquired by Disney, provided a safe online platform for millions of people to create penguin avatars, explore a virtual island, play games, attend seasonal events, and connect. The game became a cultural touchstone for a generation of players, providing both amusement and a sense of community via its virtual economy, mini-games, and organized activities. Prior to the closure, Disney announced it on January 30, 2017, and conducted farewell parties, allowing players to return to the island, celebrate their memories, and play the game for the final time.
The new title, Club Penguin Island, aimed to transfer the experience to mobile and current devices. Prior to its demise, Club Penguin provided free memberships to all players and conducted goodbye parties, allowing the community to appreciate the world they had helped construct over 11 years.
At midnight Pacific Time, the original Club Penguin servers were terminated. Players received a final message thanking them for their time and urging them to “Waddle On.” On March 29, 2017, Club Penguin Island was released globally as the successor to the original game. However, it was also shut down in 2018. The shutdown of Club Penguin marked the end of an era in online gaming history, a milestone for many who grew up within its icy environment and a time recalled annually by fans around the globe.
THE RETIREMENT OF KINGFUNKS, BLUESOCKWA2 AND TAX1
On March 29, long-time CEO Kingfunks4 announced his retirement from Club Penguin Army Central , a watershed moment in the organization’s history. Kingfunks4 helped shape CPAC into a key hub for news, updates, and conversations within the Club Penguin army community throughout much of its existence. Along with him, Bluesockwa2 and Tax1 retired, bringing to an end the leadership of several long-time personalities who had played important roles in CPAC’s operations and coverage of the army community.
Funks
Kingfunks4 commanded world-class armies like the Water Vikings, ACP, and Ice Warriors. Between 2013 and 2016, he achieved his greatest successes, leading the Ice Warriors to Legends Cup victories and elevating the Water Vikings to World Power rank. Over the years, he was a four-time CPA Central Chief Executive Officer, creating tournaments such as the Champions Cup and Christmas Chaos, and he ultimately served as the final CEO before Club Penguin closed in 2017. Even after retiring, he helped unify armies during the 2020 shutdown, revived the Water Vikings, oversaw the Legends Committee, and contributed to Club Penguin Army Headquarters, leaving a lasting influence in the community.
Blue Brothers
Bluesockwa2 left an indelible effect at CPAC, entering the organization in 2010 and advancing to CEO in August 2011. He was key in professionalizing the site, making it into a well-managed, high-quality platform with influential coverage and community involvement. Under his leadership, CPAC witnessed a Golden Age in which it expanded its reach, shaped the political climate of Club Penguin armies through investigative reporting, and established the weekly Top Ten Armies as a key indicator of influence. Bluesockwa2 also used the site’s popularity to support a variety of programs and activities, leaving an everlasting legacy on the structure, reputation, and impact of CPAC in the army community.
Bluesockwa2 promoted Bluesockwa1 to CEO in July 2012, making him the sixth person to lead operations at CP Army Central. During his time, he redesigned several sections of the site and investigated self-hosting alternatives for armies, allowing CPAC to function more effectively than before. Under his leadership, the ites not only reported on army news, but also actively affected it, reaching record views in January 2014 and garnering fame with the most powerful armies of the time. Together with Bluesockwa2, the brothers led CPAC operations with a strong sense of unity and vision, editorials, and exposés that revealed scandals, shaped leadership changes, and rooted the changing army scene. By the end of his career, Blue1’s editorials had established CPAC as a well-known and powerful hub in the community.
Tax1
Over the course of more than ten years, Tax1 participated in several armies within the CPA community, including the Ice Warriors, Delta Troops, and Doritos. He witnessed early battles like the Rebel Penguin Federation’s raids against the Underground Mafia Army before formally enlisting as a soldier in the Ice Warriors. He established a side army in 2009 called the Delta Troops, which had early success before disbanding because of academic obligations.
Tax1, who had taken a break from armies in 2012, returned to the Rebel Penguin Federation in 2013, helping to the team’s competitive success, which included victories in the Legends Cup and Christmas Chaos. He started as a reporter for CPAC and worked his way up to Executive Producer, eventually leading armies, notably Doritos, to tournament triumph. He subsequently became CPAC’s Chief Executive Officer, handling operations, news coverage, investigative reporting, and tournaments. Tax1 stayed active until Club Penguin’s formal demise on March 29, 2017, retiring from CPAC and army leadership while leaving an indelible mark on army organization, journalism, and competitive structure in the community.
A community that thrived from 2006 to 2017 came to an end with Club Penguin’s closing on March 29, 2017, marking a bittersweet milestone. Players and army members formed friendships, went on adventures, and created lasting memories over more than a decade. Though the game ended, the relationships, stories, and experiences from the Club Penguin community remain relevant, leaving a legacy its members continue to carry. Among the many events on March 29, the closure of the original Club Penguin stands apart, forever remembered as one of the most cherished MMO games, leaving an enduring mark on its community and shared memories.
MtJordan II
Associate Editor
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