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Post by tmayer on Jun 29, 2015 8:27:17 GMT 8
As the reunion quickly approaches, I spent the day working on getting ready for it. As part of the registration packet, I'm working on a booklet, that will be passed out to all those who attend. The booklet will contain bits and pieces of the history of 503rd PRCT. While it may be "old hash" to some, their are families out there who still seek answers. The men who have been to the reunions have all talked about their time in the service over many a beer and stiff drink. The reunions that are held today are more about the legacy these men leave behind and the chance that those veterans who remain, can somehow instill upon us the great sacrifice their comrades made. Below is a page, from the booklet I'm creating.
If you ever thought about attending a reunion, now is your chance! Stand Up and be accounted for!
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Post by one50 on Jul 4, 2015 12:38:08 GMT 8
See you all there. Todd, my registration is in the mail.
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Post by tmayer on Jul 4, 2015 19:59:55 GMT 8
Looking forward to it.
Todd
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Post by one50 on Aug 5, 2015 9:57:59 GMT 8
I personally had a great time. This was the first reunion I have attended and if I didn't know better, Todd had done this 100 times. Kudos to you and all that helped out.
2016 is the 60th Reunion and it's going to be something BIG. Can't wait.
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Post by tmayer on Oct 14, 2015 1:37:12 GMT 8
2015 Reunion First of all, let me say thank you to all those who attended the reunion and those who help guide me through the process. It was truly a rewarding experience. Years ago, the opportunity for someone like me to host the reunion would have been non-existent. So, it truly was an honor to be entrusted to this task. As I sit here remembering the good times we had at the reunion and wondering what all to say, it occurred to me that it had already been written. If you read the last newsletter, you know what we did and where the reunion was held. So, I thought I would use the blank space allotted to me to share some of my thoughts on the reunion and not all the little details. As the years pass and our troopers move on, a new generation is discovering the bonds and traditions that make this organization unique. When planning for the reunion, I had four main goals that I wanted to achieve. 1. Make sure everyone had a great time. 2. Promote the history of 503rd PRCT. 3. Attract new members. 4. Energize the organization.
Looking back, I feel as those these goals were achieved. The hotel was nice and the views from our hospitality suite were spectacular, which went a long way in making everyone feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. Our display tables were overflowing with photo albums and the person effects of the men and families of the 503rd PRCT, ensuring that the great history and traditions of this unit are passed on to future generations. Not only were we able to make contact with a long lost trooper (Dick Adams), but we were also honored to have in our attendance four troopers of the 503rd who severed in the unit during the 50’s and early 60’s, including Lt. John Keller and his wife Glenda, who graciously donated to the organization the colors of the 503rd that were used during his time with the unit. These veterans along with our vets from 503rd PRCT help bridge the gap for all those who ever served in the 503rd. On top on that, we had several family members and friends of the 503rd PRCT attend their first reunion. Finally, you could feel the energy being generated about the organization as us youngsters listen to the veterans tell their stories and the wives, widows and family members shared the memories of their loved ones and the fun they have had over the years at the annual reunions.
It’s now time to build on this momentum. The organization is fragile and needs nurtured as it transitions into the 21st century. It’s now time for us, the sons, the daughters, the grandchildren and the friends of the 503rd PRCT to ensure the values and sacrifices these men made are never forgotten. Next year’s reunion is currently being planned and I can’t wait. I hope to see all of you there.
Thank again for making this year’s reunion great!
Todd
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