Reunion

For the third consecutive year, Peggy and I traveled to meet family and friends at Peggy's dad's annual shipmates' reunion. Two years ago, we visited Portland, Maine, with the Leedstown crew. Last year, we visited Savannah, Georgia, with the combined crews of the Leedstown and Marblehead. This year, because of shrinking numbers of remaining shipmates, the reunion included crews from multiple ships that were part of the US Navy Asiatic Fleet -- WWII. The ships that I recall being represented included the USS Leedstown, Paul Jones, Langley, Marblehead, and Parrot. Nineteen sailors, who served during multiple Pacific island invasions, were in attendance. Another 70+ family members attended the event, as well. The weekend long reunion was held in Fairfax, Virginia, and included day-trips to Washington for sightseeing, museum visiting, a memorial service for a departed crewmember, and a banquet, complete with speeches, fine food, and a little dancing. Video highlights of the reunion include:

• The National Mall and various memorials


• The Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum


• A few interviews during the banquet.

Not to be outdone by the Navy, Peggy and I celebrated a more private reunion with Frank and Gloria Womble -- Frank from our Army days and his wife, who I met on their wedding day. Having not seen each other in nearly 17 years, we hit it off, as though only a few days had passed. Our Christmas card exchanges, a few phone calls, and a joint writing project had kept us in touch. Old stories were told and re-told and freshened with forgotten details. The afternoon-into-the-late-evening visit with Frank and Gloria was a highlight of our trip to the DC area.


So, pop some corn and enjoy the movies.