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2008 Reunion
Reunion Memories
Reunion Memories, by Shirley Clark
The first week of October in the Clark home in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, we are always ready to attend the USS Bristol DD 857 Veteran's Association reunion. This year, 2008, will be the eleventh year for our reunion. We eagerly anticipated the days ahead. This year was somewhat different for us. We usually pack the car and start out for a wonderful experience of driving to the reunion. This year was different in that the trip was long, and due to health issues, and distance, we decided to fly. I had never been on an airplane. So----you see everything about this trip was a new experience for me.
As the time became nearer for the trip to San Diego, questions began to drift around in my brain. Would I be ok? would I be nervous? Would I want to jump out onto the wing, and hold on for dear life? Well- surprise surprise, none of these things happened. We flew from Louisville, Kentucky to greater cinncinnati airport and then on to San Diego. To be honest, I could do this again, but I would not want to do this every day. I like the land and I like to watch the road stretch out in front of me. So for now, I'll just say-I've been there, and now I'm very content to be back on the land.
But let me say for the record, as reunions go, this was one fine reunion.
The group was a very good balance of fine shipmates and guests. We all enjoyed being together. Old members and new ones bonded as one great group.
From the hospitality room to the memorial service, it was a great reunion for all attendees.
The city tour and going aboard the midway was an excellent outing for all the shipmates and guests. On the dinner cruise, we all enjoyed a wonderful meal. The food was delcious, and the music and dancing for all those twinkle toes. You all were light on your feet, and gave us a good show. If you get the chance to sit life out or dance! Hope you will dance!!!!
It never matters where we are or what we do while at the reunion, the only tphng that is important is that we are all together one more time. We always remember the old timesand renew friendsphps. We also make new friends and new memories to carry with us throughout the next year.
It will be good to see all of you in Milwaukee. May god bless each of you. May you take good care of yourselves and each other.
Shirley Clark
Historian, USS Bristol DD857 Veteran's Association.
A final thought: All you really have of the past is this reunion, and the terrible necessity to remember. Because deep inside yoursef you know that forgetting is not an option. It never has been! !
The Reunion Was. . .
In memory of Dick "Bristolski", I will do "the reunion was". Know it won't be the same as if Dick could do it, but I'll give it my best.
flying to san diego
the beautiful city
the tours
the best bus driver guide that we've ever had
the midway
hospitality room
reception
dinner cruise
old friends
making new friends
memories
banquet
raffle
dance
memorial service
leaving san diego
saying goodby
the hugs
It is not where we are. It is being together with shipmates and friends. It is remembering the past and looking forward to the future. It is remembering a time we served in the united states navy with pride and honor. A time to remember.
One more time for Dick. God bless.
