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2005 Reunion
Reunion Memories by Shirley Clark
Reunion Memories by Shirley Clark
YOU CAN’T CHANGE THE PAST WHEN IT’S OVER
YOU CAN’T BRING THE PAST INTO VIEW
YOU CAN STILL HAVE ALL OF THOSE MEMORIES
AND EACH YEAR YOU CAN HAVE THEM RENEWED.
In Kentucky, fall creeps up on you. One day it will be hot and the next day it will be cool and comfortable. Such is the weather in Beautiful Kentucky.
On a clear, crisp morning in October 2005 we started on an adventure. The USS Bristol D857 Veteran’s Association Reunion was going to be held in Charleston, SC October 6-9, 2005.
This was going to be a very special reunion. The anniversary of the Bristol being commissioned 60 years ago. 1945-2005.
As always it was a trip that had been anticipated for almost a year. This being the 8th reunion we had been to—Pittsburgh, Fall River, Nashville, Buffalo, Pensacola, Norfolk, San Antonio and now Charleston. This would be a great reunion. An adventure that was long awaited. Shipmates and guests once again enjoying a few days together.
Being the Historian, I’m always looking for stories, pictures and memories. The shipmates are generous with their time and that is so helpful to me. Thanks shipmates. The reunions have been a great ride, and I’m so grateful that you have allowed me to buy a ticket.
The sightseeing trips, the dinner cruise, the banquet and dance with everyone dressed to the nines were all delightful. Ladies, you sure looked beautiful and the shipmates made us all proud.
As I always say, it is not where we are, what we do, where we go, what we see, or even what city we are in for the reunion that makes it great, it is the shipmates and guests that makes the reunions great.
After a moving memorial service, and lots of hugs and goodbyes, we went our separate ways, looking forward once again to having a good year, with good health and much happiness; we will anxiously await October 2006 to see all of you in Washington, Dc where we will be making more memories.
A MEMORY IS JUST A PICTURE
OF THINGS THAT ARE LOST IN THE PAST
OF THINGS YOU CAN NOT CHANGE
BUT IN YOUR MIND THEY ALWAYS WILL LAST
The Bristol memories are like gifts to you, cherish them and always remember a time in your lives that were spent aboard a tin can with men defending the United States of America with honor.
Thanks to all of you for allowing me to be your Historian. I give my best effort to do the best I can for you. Please read and enjoy these pages of memories.
