Home
Reunions
2002 Reunion
Reunion Memories by Shirley Clark
Reunion Memories by Shirley Clark
It is an awesome time of the year it is October 2002. It has been four years since September 1998 when shipmates, wives, and friends gathered at the Clarion Hotel near Pittsburgh, PAA for the very first reunion of the USS Bristol DD857.
After fifty years the men that had so proudly served their country on a “Tin Can” once again were together. Due to the efforts of Jerry and Joan McCall and Clyde and Mary Riddle, this reunion came together. It was wonderful, an experience we shall never forget.
Those few short days brought back memories that were so great they could not be denied. Every year since 1998, we have met in the fall of each year to once again reunite. We look forward from year to year to be together and enjoy the closeness of this group of people. Men and women thrown together because of the US Navy, and have chosen to reunite a few days in the fall. Now the time is upon us once again to travel to a far away city, to reunite as shipmates and friends. To renew the memories we all hold dear.
October 2002 the air is cool and crisp, the sun shines brightly and the evenings are so beautiful that they simply take your breath away. Leaving Lawrenceville, Kentucky very early on a Sunday morning with special friends could mean only one thing----USS Bristol reunion.
The trip to Pensacola was nice and uneventful. Coming to Pensacola is an experience in itself. White silver sands, water as far as the eye can see, and the sunshine, oh the wonderful sunshine a lot of people came in early to enjoy the beach, but gradually the Bristol people all came together on Thursday evening in the hospitality room. The smiles on every face told the story. No one could ever put into words what happens at the Bristol reunion. It’s magic--- pure magic!!!!!!!
Everyone enjoyed the reunion. For a few short days, men, who had once served on a tin can, proudly defended their country, and helped to keep America free, were once again together. They were young men, reliving a time they could never forget. Every year the reunions are more special than the last one. The group becomes closer and we know each other better. We are slowly becoming a family. The days pass so fast, before you know it, it is time to say goodbye.
While in Pensacola we visited the Naval Air Station and Old Pensacola. Many of the shipmates and friends went to Mobile. We went aboard the USS Alabama for a buffet and tour of the ship. Navy men just seem to yearn to be around the water and ships. It was all wonderful. The banquet was very nice. It was super to see all the shipmates and friends dressed in their finery. “Lookin’ Good”!!!!
Afterwards we all said our goodbyes. Tearfully we left Pensacola. Each going his own way, hoping that we could all be together one year later in Norfolk, VA
It was a great reunion and each one could tell a different story. From my own perspective. It was a time to remember.
As with all of the other reunions, it was not where we were, not what we did, it was not how entertained we were that made it a wonderful few days. It was because we were all together once again.
Go Bristol Shipmates!! You did good. Stay well-stay happy. See you in Norfolk, VA. In 2003
Shirley Clark
USS Bristol DD857 Historian
October, 2002
