Military Reunion News

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These are items of interest to military reunions. If you have military reunion news, e-mail us.

Links to PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Take two, the next generation carries on
by Adam Rose
   Time moves quickly and with WWII veterans passing on at 1,100 a day there is a question of how to remember these heroes. Many military reunions turn to younger generations to maintain their legacy. Everyone involved agrees the benefits are mutual.
  The USS Minneapolis Association has families with two and three generations attending. Attendee Glenn Stephens said they recently reprinted their "Minnie" photo-history a second time. "Many of the next generation are interested in seeing what Vets did and how they lived. This book tells it in photographs," Stephens said. He urges groups to include younger generations in their reunions. "We are going much too fast, especially the WWII bunch," he added.
   PT Boats, Inc., a WWII veterans organization for those who served with Patrol Torpedo boats, their shore bases and their mother ships, "tenders." There isn’t a separate family member group, but anyone who wants to join is welcome and receives equal voting rights. Membership is open to anyone interested in PTs.
   When reunions began in 1965, the founder wanted wives to participate and children were soon encouraged to come. They’ve never been a last-man outfit. Today fourth generations attend because of founder J.M. "Boats" Newberry’s foresight. In the late sixties he was determined to gather artifacts and memorabilia to build a museum. He realized to perpetuate the PT story, veterans’ children are needed. The museum became a reality in 1976 and has expanded thanks to the generosity of PT sailors, their wives, offspring, other relatives known as CrewKin, historians and PT buffs.
   Children and grandchildren are called Splinters. They follow their fathers' footprints by putting on regional gatherings known as bull sessions. This year about 80 will attend the national reunion. Splinters spend much of their time at the reunion with their parents, but have a get-acquainted meeting where their sixteen year tradition is explained to newcomers. In 1985 the Splinters decided to buy a nice bottle of champagne to auction during Sunday evening’s event to raise money for the museum. The next year a Splinter made a wooden case to hold two champagne glasses engraved with the city and reunion year from a PT boat they were restoring. The high bidder enjoyed the champagne, kept the glasses as mementos, but returned the box to be auctioned with new bottles and glasses. The Splinter Champagne Case and bottle have raised thousands of dollars over 16 years.
   To help the PT story along, PT Boats Inc. has published three books and reprinted another. A 10,000photo archive along with a library of books about PTs and related WWII subjects is also maintained, along with a semi-annual magazine. All the PT men believe these collections are vital because little-to-nothing is taught in schools about WWII. Because WWII still affects us 60 years later, they believe it’s important to keep the "little wooden boats" story alive.
   Alyce Guthrie answered our question about children’s involvement being crucial to PT reunions thriving with a "loud yes." "How else will we understand why these men went to war?" she asked, and added that it's important to pass PT traditions to children and build our American heritage for future generations. "If WWII veterans don't tend to this now, their sacrifices will be gone forever because the men who fought for freedom in the 1940's are dying. If they die without informing their children, the next generations won't even get a glimpse of what a world war is about," she told us.
   Some reunions are trying different ideas to encourage younger generations to carry on their traditions. Larry Wilson, USAF Pinetree Line, recently had the first reunion for this distinct group. From the early 1950s to the late 1980s the Pinetree Line was a series of 44 radar stations stretching across Canada from Vancouver Island east to Newfoundland and up the east coast to Baffin Island. Many sites were manned by USAF personnel before being turned over to Canada’s maintenance. All are gone except for three sites on the east coast and one on the west coast, forming the Canadian Coastal Radar System. Technology changed them to unmanned, operated remotely. The reunion plants a tree at each location a post was. The hope is their families will become part of the tradition and continue to plant trees after they are gone.
   Many reunions that have not included second generations told us they plan to. If you have advice or stories about integrating younger generations, please share them with us. You’ll help other reunions include their families and pass stories and traditions on to future generations.

French say,Thank you, America
   Starting on D-Day’s 50th anniversary in June 1994, the French government started the “Thank You, America” certificate program. The certificates are a symbol of the French people’s gratitude to the soldiers who landed on Normandy and participated in their liberation between June 6, 1944 and May 8, 1945.
   Veterans had to apply to receive the awards and none are issued posthumously. Visit the Embassy of France in the US website for complete details on qualifications and the applications process. There’s also a list of French Consulates in the country to send the application to. Contact: www.info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/2000/ww2/index.asp.
From: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Warletters.com
Extraordinary correspondence from American wars
   The Legacy Project seeks and saves the letters of those who served in wartime to honor and remember them. They are an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization not affiliated but collaborative with museums, archives, historical societies, government agencies and universities to preserve wartime correspondence. They do not buy or sell war letters. Their mission is to encourage Americans to safeguard letters themselves or donate them so future generations will have access to learn from these irreplaceable documents.

How long will you go?
The USS Callaway Newsletter noted that WWI reunions continued to be held for about 75 years after the war. The newsletter then questioned how long WWII reunions will continue. The original estimate was until 2016, but it has been changed to 2006 or 2007. We're collecting information about how long you plan to continue holding/attending WWII reunions. We also seek information from children and grandchildren who plan to continue the reunions. And if anyone is in the midst of planning a "final" reunion, we'd be interested in featuring it in Reunions Magazine. Email reunions@execpc.com with your stories!

Find the missing pieces
   Wondering what happened to the war buddy you served with years ago? Tom Wagner may be the man to help you re-connect with long-lost friends.
   Wagner’s website, www.veteransalumni.com, enables veterans to search for friends, and create a profile so your friends can locate you. Registering your information is free. Membership fees ($9.95 to $59.95) apply if you wish to search the registered veterans database. The more expensive plans receive services longer and get extra perks.
   Privacy is a priority within the site. If you wish to contact another person, a request is sent to the sought-after person. That individual then has to contact you.
   Other features include a photo gallery, memorials and message boards. Although they’re not too full right now, your contributions can boost the site’s material. To find someone who has been “missing,” contact Wagner at www.veteransalumni.com; 530-367-3818; info@veteransalumni.com.

Party like it’s 1913
   What do you get when you combine 50,000 people, 2,000 cooks and 280 acres of land? The largest combined reunion of Civil War veterans. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, hosted the event in 1913.
Every surviving, honorably discharged union and confederate veteran was invited. Two battalions of the Fifth United States Infantry and a detachment of the Pennsylvania State Police ensured security.
The veterans visited battlefields and President Wilson spoke to the group on July 4th. Hot weather caused 9,980 veterans to be treated by the medical staff; nine died.
   This landmark reunion was a huge success, and veterans of all ages attended. The youngest was 61 and the oldest 112. Reunions of these proportions are rare, yet rewarding. We’d love to hear about your large reunions.
  From the USS Callaway Newsletter

Airborne and Special Operations Museum exceeds expectations
   After only 11 months of operation, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed its initial attendance goals. Part of the US Army Museum System, this is the only place that presents the comprehensive history of Army airborne and special operations units from 1940 to the present. The Museum contains artifact displays, life-size and walk-through dioramas, and audio-visual productions. Visitors can "face reality" with the aid of the motion simulator and large-screen theater or learn how the Parachute Test Platoon developed training methods and tactical concepts in 1940.    Admission is free, donations happily accepted. Groups are welcome and encouraged to call in advance. Contact the Museum at 100 Bragg Boulevard, Fayetteville NC 28301; 910-483-3003; www.asomf.org; info@asomf.org.

Remembering Naval Aviation
   The collection at the National Museum of Naval Aviation transcends time and space, from wood and fabric biplanes to the frontiers of space. Share the excitement of Naval Aviation's rich history. Over 140 beautifully restored historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft represent Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation.
   Soar with the Blue Angels, retrace the first flight across the Atlantic and stand on the flight deck of the USS Cabot. Fly an F/A-18 mission in a motion-based flight simulator, see an IMAX® film that feels like a bona fide ride with the Blue Angels. Take the flight line bus tour to see 40 more aircraft.
One wing is devoted to World War II carrier aviation and a full-size replica of USS Cabot's aircraft carrier island and flight deck. World War II Corsair, Dauntless and Hellcats stand ready for take-off on the wooden flight deck, while the Wildcat, Avenger and Kingfisher fly overhead. Strap yourself into a cockpit trainer to pretend test flights or defending a ship from Cabot's anti-aircraft gun battery.
   Admission is free. Contact 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola FL 32508; 850-453-2025; www.naval-air.org.

How do you use the web?
Dick Hawkins, Plymouth, Minnesota, says he got a late start on his USS Kennebec (AO-36) reunion. He visited www.reunionsmag.com for ideas and found, among other things, reunions listed in the Reveille section with web addresses included. He visited other ship websites to find out what they were doing and to borrow their ideas. Easy way to get lots of new ideas!

Air Commandos celebrate reunion
   The Air Commando Association (ACA) and Hurlburt Field’s host wing, the 16th Special Operations Wing, designated Jungle Jim as the honored group for the 40th anniversary ACA/Hurlburt Reunion. Member Don Maxwell wrote, "Most of us have to struggle over a psychological barrier before filling out the reservation form for any reunion. ‘Do I really want to open that door?’ ‘Will I still fit in’ and a dozen other hang-ups. That’s normal. But did you ever talk to anyone who sucked it up, went back and wasn’t glad they did?!
   "Let’s be clear on two points: Whatever one’s retrospective view of the war, and whatever one has or hasn’t done since his Air Commando days—these are irrelevant to your BF-hat buddies, some of the best you ever had. Like you, they volunteered for combat in unmarked aircraft and for tip-of-the-spear ground jobs, in mufti, in unnamed countries of their imagination where the USAF didn’t go.
   "Reunion Weekend is a golden trip just for the laughs and the priceless opportunity to tour current special ops aircraft and talk with today’s Air Commandos, the USAF’s busiest people (and loving deployments just like you did!!). But Sunday morning, after you’ve attended the chaplain-led Memorial Service and taken a pensive walk through it, you’ll know why you came back, and why you’ll do it again. Honoring colleagues who, beneath the bravado, shared your 1960s idealism is affirmative male bonding which begs no apology." Contact 850-581-0099; aircommando1@earthlink.net.

Preserve wartime history
   The Library of Congress is initiating the Veterans History Project through its American Folklife Center. The American Folklife Center collects and preserves audio and videotaped interviews of veterans from WWI, WWII and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars for the project.
   A reunion may be the perfect time and place to encourage everyone to "preserve" wartime experiences, on or off the battlefield. The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress has launched a huge effort to collect and preserve as many personal experiences as possible in light of the large number of WWI and WWII veterans who are dying each day. Preservation can be on audio and video tapes, photographs, slides, commendations or personal wartime letters.
   The project suggests that you prepare questions before recording. These are some of the subjects that should be covered. Were you drafted or did you enlist? What are your most vivid memories of wartime experience? How did the experience effect your life? What are your military life and culture memories? What are your homefront memories?
Photographs, diaries and letters are also being collected.
   The project isn’t exclusive to veterans. Congress wants the public to participate – children interviewing grandparents, students talking with veterans, veterans interviewing each other and other groups (libraries, museums, schools, organizations) starting independent projects to complement other research.
   A National Registry of Service will list names of persons whose wartime histories are in the collection. This is the perfect project to involve children and grandchildren in interviewing and learning more about parents’ or grandparents’ wartime experiences. Many veteran, history and community organizations, libraries, museums and civic groups are involved in collecting and interviewing. For a source in your area, visit www.loc.gov/folklife/vets or call 202-707-4919.

New York City honors men and women who died in Vietnam
   There were 1,741 service men and women from New York City’s five boroughs who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Vietnam War. They were honored at the recent rededication ceremony and re-opening of the Vietnam Veterans Plaza, a tribute to all 250,000 New York City Vietnam veterans.
   The 1,741 names, along with ages, are etched in a series of granite panels that make up the Walk of Honor, the highlight of the newly designed Vietnam Veterans Plaza.
   The hope is that the city and members of the community will utilize the new plaza to educate youth about the Vietnam War and the courage of the men and women who sacrificed their lives. The Vietnam Veterans Plaza is at 55 Water Street, New York City.

Two "Well Dones"
   "I would like to bring to your attention the excellent hospitality and courtesy shown us at our reunion at the Radission Hotel Market Square, San Antonio, Texas, in September. We highly recommend this hotel to everyone. We especially commend Jacqui Bosworth, the sales rep. She helped us in every way possible. She gets a "Well Done" from the original USS Randall APA-224 Association.
We also thank the USS McGowan DD 678, Tin Can Sailors Association. When we had to cancel our banquet they immediately invited us to join theirs. We did and had a great time thanks to Dick Mackey of the Mcgowan. "Well Done" McGowan.
John J. Walsh, president of the Original USS Randall APA-224 Association, wrote so enthusiastically, we just had to share.

Discovery generates a reunion
An American WWII bomber crashed on a snowy, cold January day in 1944 deep in the pine forests and hills of the Ardennes of Belgium near the village of Wibrin. The crash touched off 56 years of searching.
Parts of the bomber were found in the summer of 2000. The discovery generated the idea of a reunion for the 44th Bomb Group, US 8th Air Force, to which that lost bomber belonged. I am a member of the group and my best friend was on that fateful bomber. We were both radio operators. We both could have volunteered but he chose to go in my place.
I want to have a reunion with the people of Wibrin and those who are still alive who were there 56 years ago. I am also looking for survivors of the lost crew to join in a reunion in Belgium and a return trip to the group airbase in England.
Forrest S. Clark, 703 Duffer Lane, Kissimmee FL 34759; b24vet@aol.com.

How important is December 7, 2001?
Gathering of Eagles
New Orleans, Louisiana
  The dedication of the "D-Day Invasions of the Pacific" 60th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor was held at the National D-Day Museum’s expansion. There was a Pacific Victory Parade and Aerial Review.
   The three-day event honored World War II veterans who valiantly served in the Pacific Theater and home front workers. Other activities included a reenactment on the Lakefront, a USO dance and Memorial Services honoring our fallen heroes and port visits from the USS Iwo Jima and MV Cape Kennedy.
   The Pacific Exhibit describes the many amphibious invasions during World War II. The gallery follows the war as it was fought across the ocean. It included photos, videos, artifacts, maps, quotes, newspaper headlines, interactive touch-screens and oral histories. Contact The National D-Day Museum 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans LA 70130; (504) 527-6012; Info@DDaymuseum.org; www.ddaymuseum.org.

Contribute to history
   The National D-Day Museum is seeking artifacts from Pacific invasions. Paula Ussery, Museum Curator, says the museum is looking for artifacts with interpretative stories and things that spotlight the human experience of the millions of men, women and children who participated in the Pacific and on the home front.
   Of particular interest are American uniforms and personal equipment worn or used in combat and Japanese items such as swords picked up on beaches. The museum has many wonderful items, but needs more especially from areas like Tarawa, Peleiu and Guadalcanal. Contact Tom at 504-527-6012.
   From The National D-Day Museum Newsletter

Oral Histories
   The National Museum of the Pacific War and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association are gathering as many oral histories from survivors and their families as possible. Oral histories are accepted in written or tape form.
   In addition to histories from military personnel, the museum also seeks histories from Red Cross workers, USO performers, Rosie-the-Riveter working women, civil defense workers and others willing to share their wartime memories.
   Registration information includes details on interview scheduling.
Contact toll-free, 830-997-4379; www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/nimitz.

Uncle Sam wants you!
   The US Army's Repatriation and Family Affairs Division wants your help locating families of unaccounted soldiers from the Korean War, over 50 years ago. Of more than 8,100 missing servicemen, 6,318 were in the Army which is trying to locate all of these soldiers’ families. To date, about a third of the families have been found, but they still need to find more than 4,000. As a result of recently improved North Korea relations, several hundred sets of remains have been repatriated.
   The Repatriation and Family Affairs Division’s goal is to find families to identify soldiers to be buried. They’ve contacted families to build a database of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) samples facilitating identification. In this way, when new remains are received they can be quickly compared to database samples.
   Unfortunately, after 50 years, it is difficult to locate next of kin. Limited family information in soldiers' files is over 50 century old. Relatives have moved, died and changed names.
   Many of us know someone who didn't return from the Korean War. If not personally, perhaps we knew of them – say, a friend from school’s brother. Maybe we grew up hearing occasional remarks about a great-uncle dying in Korea or listened to Dad discuss his service recollections. All this information helps the Army locate family members. The tiniest data shred – soldier's sister’s name, his company before enlisting, a child's name – can bring a case to resolution.
   If you think that you might have a few tidbits visit www.koreanwar.org. Use the search facility to find the soldier's name. Once you locate him, you can leave a remembrance and contact information. If there is a "DNA" tag near the soldier's name, his family is being sought, so your assistance is critical. In these cases, leave a remembrance, but consider taking the step of calling the Army at 800-892-2490.
   If you know someone who served, help him access this web site or 800 number. Soldiers often talked at length in the field about their home lives so veterans are likely to have information they may not realize is useful. Please give Uncle Sam a helping hand!
  From an article by Megan Smolenyak (Megan_Smolenyak@compuserve.com) in Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter.

POW Power
Visit the American Ex Prisoners of War (AXPOW) web site, www.axpow.org, if you were a Prisoner of War (POW) in any conflict. Among the great features, the site has a POW biography section to register and share stories. Complete a survey and add a 1,000-word description to share your experiences. Membership fees vary from length of time to age, but annual memberships start at $30. Visit www.axpow.org for more information.

Get tagged
A new web site makes an effort to return dog tags to the respective familes of the men who once wore them. The site, www.founddogtags.com, is organized by the last names on dog tags. If you find a relative, there is contact information on how to obtain the dog tags.

Lynchburg preparing National D-Day Memorial
   Lynchburg, Virginia opened the National D-Day Memorial in 2001. Located in nearby Bedford, the memorial honors the valor, fidelity and sacrifices of the Allied Forces on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
   The first wave of battle at Normandy – with the most casualties – was led by the Army's 29th Division, made up mostly of Virginians. Virginia and Bedford are forever linked with D-Day as a symbol of America's sacrifice. The Virginia National Guard, the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Division, was one of the two first assault regiments on Omaha Beach, scene of the bloodiest fighting on D-Day.
   In 1996, the City of Bedford was selected by Congress as the official site of the nation’s memorial to the Allied Forces involved in the D-Day invasion. One of the reasons was because the city (with a 1944 population of 3,200) had the highest per capita losses of any community in America during the landings on the Normandy coastline.
   The Memorial’s 88-acre site, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, will feature sculptural tributes to all service branches, Victory Plaza and the massive overlord arch, ringed by the flags of the Allied Expeditionary Forces.
   The Lynchburg Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau offers military reunion planners a "War & Peace" package that includes admission to the National D-Day Memorial, a visit to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (where the nation reunited following the War Between the States) and a tour of one of Lynchburg's five historic districts.
   For information contact Lynchburg Regional CVB at 800-732-5821; or the chamber of commerce: lmeriwether@lynchburgchamber.org.

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