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2006 Reunion
Reunion Memories
The Bristol Reunion Memories
Washington, DC, October 5-8, 2006
Every year in early October, the excitement raises to a new level in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. We start preparing for the trip of a lifetime. Once a year in early October when the leaves begin to fall, Jack Frost is waiting just around the corner and everything is being prepared for winter. We begin getting ready for an exciting few days.
There are not words enough to express the feeling one has about the USS Bristol DD857 Veterans Association reunion. It is always a time for renewing old friendships, beginning new ones, meeting and greeting the shipmates and friends that have traveled from far and near to once again be together to enjoy the memories of the past, and make new memories that will last a lifetime.
This year was no different. We planned for weeks and finally started on a trip filled with anticipation, memories, excitement and joy of once again being with old friends and making new ones.
This year was especially special. We had the dedication of the Bristol plaque at the Navy Memorial. Having a plaque of the USS Bristol DD857 on the Wall of Honor meant a great deal to all who served with dedication and honor from 1945-1969.
We went on tours of Washington, DC and they were enjoyed by all who participated. Except for the rain, the tours were very enjoyable and entertaining. The guides were knowledgeable and gave out a lot of information that was so interesting to me. As your historian I am interested in anything that might be included in the history books about these places that we visit on these very special reunions.
Everything was great this year. The hotel, food, reception, banquet, raffle and dance. Thanks to Ed Lynch for putting on a show for all of us, and showing us how great he can dance. Thanks "Mr. Astaire." If you get the chance to sit life out or dance, then I hope you dance.
We had some new members this year. First timers are always welcome, and we hope that you had a good time, were made welcome and will come back again.
Last year an almost new slate of officers were elected to serve the Association, and I must say they did one terrific job. Thanks to all of you for the great job you did. We missed Dick, our Treasurer and his lovely wife Jan. Due to an unfortunate accident they were unable to attend. But as it is always with the Bristol, another officer, Paul Ratcliffe helped out with Dick's job. Thanks Paul, you truly exemplify the word shipmate. Dick was on the original slate of officers and he and Jan are greatly missed when they are unable to attend.
Several of the shipmates were absent this year, including our past President, John Watt and Miss Mary. All of you that could not attend this year were greatly missed. Please come back!
I want to thank the Association for the autographed picture of Tubby Smith, head basketball coach at KU. That was a big surprise but greatly appreciated. I work very hard throughout the year, as your Historian, and it does my heart good when you show your appreciation. I will put Tubby with all of my UK treasures that I have collected for over 50 years.
Once again thanks to all who helped to make Washington, DC a great reunion. You must never forget how you helped to keep our country free by serving aboard the USS Bristol DD857 with dedication and honor. Your service will never be forgotten.
Keep your memories alive by attending these reunions.
Shirley Clark
USS Bristol DD857 Historian
THE REUNION WAS...
Hospitality room
Smiles and hugs
Food and drink
Laughter and fun
Tours and rain
Our nation's capital
Memorials
Monuments
Dancing
Raffle tickets
Navy Memorial Plaque dedication
Go big blue
New members
Old members
Young at heart
Missing shipmates
Greeting shipmates
It is not where you are or what you do that makes for a great reunion, it is the USS Bristol DD857 Veteran's Association reunion with all the shipmates and friends being in Washington, DC at the greatest reunion of all. Let's do this again in Newport RI in October 2007.
