Home Port of
John Miller Jr.
2101 W. Birchwood Ave.
Milwaukee, WI. 53221
USS
LEXINGTON
CV16
CVA16
CVS16
CVT16
AVT16
|
 
SP 36
Look at the list of new members, if you see someone you once knew and want
his address and phone number, write to me and I’ll get it to you. If you know
someone who served on the Lex, let me know and I’ll send them some
information about our group.
Please remember if you
move to send me your change of address and new telephone number. Many phone,
area codes have changed. Another thing, look at the date after your name on
the label that was used to mail you this newsletter. It is the date your dues
are paid to. If it is 2002 or before you are behind with your dues.
Send Dues to: Lloyd
Friedli.
P.O. Box 16,
Lexington, IL 61753
Remember dues are now
$10/Yr. Make check payable to:
USS Lexington Assoc.
NEW MEMBERS
NAME
WIFE
DIV YRS ON LEX
Leslie A. Bengston
? GM Div. 1958-1961
Lester C.
Bullock Elvera 1St
Div.
1943-1946
David
Burgin ?
E Div. 1956-1959
William E. Donley
Jr. ? V2
Div. 1959-1961
Wiliam
Dougherty ?
Catapult 1968-1971
David C.
Ervin ?
E Div. 1968-1970
Richard C.
Frame Aurora V3
Div. 1955-1956
Ronald
Harrington ? V2
Div. 1961-1964
Jerry D.
Hinson Annette S1
Div.
1957-1960
Donald P. Jacobbe
? Admin 1957-1958
Donald L.
Kremer Shirley R
Div. 1956-1957
John F. Losey
Sr. ? H
Div. 1961-1962
Arthur P. Whiteway
? VF16
1943-1945
James A. Wass
Barbara
3&4 Div. 1943-1945
DECEASED
* not a member
Arthur (Tip) Burke Marvin Cotney
Walter Guthrie
* Carl J. Link Harold Lowther
Edward Prescott
Edward Switajewski Ernest Van Tassel Richard S.
Zimmerman
Fred Edwards
Our condolences.
Wanted: Video
made by ABC in 1983 of the USS Lexington on 'Good Morning America' when the ship
had its 40th birthday. Lloyd Friedli would like a copy if anyone has
one.
Battle of Leyte Gulf:
Helen McDonald of the Admiral Nimitz Museum is
working on the following and would like the help of any participants - I (Helen)
am working with a writer who wants to interview those with Leyte Gulf
experiences…and we would like to put them on our (Nimitz Museum) oral history
list as well. She would like to identify pilots with recollections of the
Battle of Leyte Gulf. It would be great if any of you with these experiences
would contact Helen at Admiral Nimitz SHS, National Museum of the Pacific War,
Fredericksburg, TX 78624 or by email at
helen.mcdonald@pwd.state.tx.us
Thanks for your help!
Jacksonville Reunion 2003
October 7th-12th, 2003
Deadline for Reunion, Hotel & Tour Registration
is September 12th, 2003
Again this year, both the reunion registration forms and
tour forms go to the Association Treasurer. Hotel registration/reservations are
made directly with the Reunion hotel.
Reunion Hotel
Adam’s Mark Hotel & Resort
Jacksonville, Fl
Hotel Reservation can be made directly by calling the
Adam’s Mark hotel’s national reservation number at (800) 444-2326 or calling the
hotel directly here in Jacksonville at (904) 633-9095. Make Sure to tell the
Customer Service Representative that you are with the Lexington Reunion. The
rate is $95+tax per room, per night with no charge for additional quests.
Airport transportation can be arranged by calling Express Shuttle USA at (800)
394-0116. Cost for 1 to 4 people is $20. Groups of 5 or more is $6 per person.
Normal Taxi fare is $24. The Adam's Mark hotel is the largest hotel in Northeast
Florida with over 1000 rooms . It features lively on-site entertainment,
restaurants, sports bar and lounges, along with a full-service rooftop health
club and pool overlooking stunning views of the St. Johns River and surrounding
cityscape. Set along the newly developed north riverbank boardwalk, the hotel is
located in the heart of the downtown business district and within walking
distance of the Jacksonville Landing, Center for Performing Arts, Florida
Theatre and a mile from ALLTEL Stadium, home of Jaguars NFL football and host of
the Super Bowl in 2005. More tourist attractions are just a water taxi away and
pro golf courses, vibrant shopping and playful beaches are all within a few
miles. To Get more information visit the Adam’s Mark website at
www.adamsmark.com/jacksonoville/.
Tentative Agenda
Tuesday, October 7th Registration
Desk – Lexington Hospitality Suite
Registration desk
opens at noon. The Hospitality suite will
remain open
throughout the week with the hours
determined as
needed.
Welcome
Reception: 6:00PM to 9:00 PM
Food and
Drinks available.
Wednesday, October 8th Tour
#1 Historic Augustine tour – 9:00AM to 4PM
Tour #2
Night-time cruise on the LaCruise Casino ship
7:00PM – Midnight.
Thursday, October 9th Tour
#3 Shopping Tour – 10AM to 3PM
Tour #4
Dinner Cruise on the St. Johns River.
Friday,
October 10th Tour #5 Mayport Naval Station
Luncheon at the Officer’s Club and USS John F. Kennedy CV-67
Tour - 10:30AM to 4PM
Tour #6 Night-time cruise on the LaCruise Casino ship
7:00PM – Midnight.
Saturday, October 11th
Shipmate Meeting – 8:00AM to 10:00AM
Tour #7 Shopping Tour – 10AM to 3PM
Banquet Social Hour – 6:00PM to 7:00 PM
Dinner Served – 7:00 PM
Guest Speaker Captain William
Kennedy, Decommissioning Commanding Officer, USS Lexington CV-16 8:00PM to
8:30PM
Dancing – 8:30 to Midnight
Sunday, October 12th
Memorial Service – 8:00AM to 9AM
Fond Farewells!!
Tours
Tour #1 Historic
St. Augustine Tour (Wednesday)
A luxury coach will pick up your group at the Adam’s Mark Hotel and take them on
a tour they will never forget!! They will have the opportunity to visit the
Governor’s house, Flagler college, the Oldest School House, St. George street’s
shops, the Castillo San Marco, etc. Everyone will have an opportunity for lunch
at a number of fine restaurants and then enjoy a wonderful luncheon at one of
St. Augustine’s finest restaurants right near the old district.
Total including tour, transportation, gratuities, design, coordination and
management fee per person (this price is based on a total of 56 people in
attendance): $32.00
Tour # 2
Cruise the Atlantic on the Casino ship LaCruise Casino.
(Wednesday
night)
Transportation and the cruise are free if more than 20 people are interested and
sign up.
Tour #3 Shopping in St. Augustine Outlet
Mall (Thursday)
95 famous stores! You’ll find everything from designer fashions to the
latest shoes, jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, clothing and more, all at
savings of 25% to 70%. A few of the stores you will find are: Mikasa, Ann
Taylor, Harry & David, Bass, Le Creuset , Seiko, Donna Kaaren, Gap, J. Crew, Liz
Claiborne, and Nine West. Discount coupon books will be distributed to all
shopping attendees.
Pricing includes: Transportation for 56 people,
Exclamation Points Staffing, coordination and management: $32 per person based
on 1 motor coach.
Tour #4
Dinner Cruise on the St. John’s River (Thursday Night)
Get ready for a wonderful evening cruising the St. John’s
River and enjoying the spectacular views of Jacksonville’s downtown lights,
beautiful riverfront homes and the varied sights along the banks. There are two
decks both with dance floors and full service bars, French doors leading outside
for strolling or just watching the world go by. An evening filled with music and
an extensive buffet all add to your total night’s experience on your private
charter.
Total for this venue includes: Private 3 hour charter,
dinner buffet, Disc Jockey and Exclamation Points staffing for management and
coordination. $48.00 per person. (Limit 200 people – no less than 100 in
attendance)
Tour #5 Mayport
Naval Station Luncheon and Tour of the USS John F, Kennedy CV-67
A luxury coach will pick up your group at the Adam’s Mark Hotel and take them on
a tour of Mayport Naval Station. Then it’s on to the Mayport Naval Station
Officers Club for lunch overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The day is
not over as we tour one of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carriers, the USS
John F. Kennedy. Picture ID is required by Base security and a complete list
must be turned in by close of Business Tuesday October 7th.
Total for the venue includes: Deluxe Motor Coach Transportation, Lunch at the
Mayport Officer’s Club. $30 per person
Tour # 6
Cruise the Atlantic on the Casino ship LaCruise Casino.
(Friday night)
Transportation and the cruise are free if more than 20 people are interested and
sign up.
Tour #7 Shopping in St. Augustine Outlet
Mall (Saturday)
95 famous stores! You’ll find everything from designer
fashions to the latest shoes, jewelry, accessories, home furnishings, clothing
and more, all at savings of 25% to 70%. A few of the stores you will find are:
Mikasa, Ann Taylor, Harry & David, Bass, Le Creuset , Seiko, Donna Kaaren, Gap,
J. Crew, Liz Claiborne, and Nine West. Discount coupon books will be
distributed to all shopping attendees.
Pricing includes: Transportation for 56 people,
Exclamation Points Staffing, coordination and management: $32 per person based
on 1 motor coach.
If you have a computer you can take a look at the Adams
Mark Hotel in Jacksonville, FL.
Go to. www.adamsmark.com From
the next screen pick 1. Adams Mark. From the next screen scroll until you see a
box, choose Hotel. Pick the arrow at this box and select Jacksonville.
 
DO IT NOW!!! Fill out the forms and send them in.
Before you know, it will be time for the reunion. There will not be any more
reminders. Meet old shipmates and make new friends.
Jacksonville Reunion Registration Form
October 7th to October 12th,
2003
ATTENDEES:
|
Name |
Division/Relation |
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(1) Total Number in our group
is __________
(2) Cost to register is $25 per
person x $25
(3) Total Registered Amount (1) x
(2) __________
(4) Number for Saturday Night
Banquet __________
(5) Cost for Banquet is $40 per
person x $40
(6) Total Banquet Amount (4) x
(5) __________
(7) Total Registration and Banquet Amount (3) +
(6) __________
Send this form and a check payable to the USS Lexington CV 16 Association
for the amount shown on line (7) to:
Lloyd Friedli
P.O. Box 16
Lexington, Il 61753
Dinner selections are (please indicate number: the
number should total the same as the number on line (4):
Chicken ____________
Prime
Rib ____________
Registration Deadline is September 12th,
2003
Jacksonville, FL Reunion Tour Form
Tour #1 Historic St. Augustine Tour (Wednesday, October
8th)
Price per person is: $32.00
Tour # 2 Cruise
the Atlantic on the Casino ship LaCruise Casino.
(Wednesday
night, October 8th)
Transportation and the cruise are free if more than 20 people are interested and
sign up.
Tour #3 Shopping in St. Augustine Outlet Mall
(Thursday)
Price per person is : $32 per person based on 1 motor
coach.
Tour #4 Dinner
Cruise on the St. John’s River (Thursday Night)
Price per person is $48.00 per person. (Limit 200 people –
no less than 100 in attendance)
Tour #5 Mayport Naval Station Luncheon and Tour of the
USS John F, Kennedy CV-67
Price per person is: $30 with Lunch.
Tour #6 Cruise
the Atlantic on the Casino ship LaCruise Casino.
(Friday
night)
Transportation and the cruise are free if more than 20 people are interested and
sign up.
Tour #7 Shopping in St. Augustine Outlet Mall
(Saturday)
Price per person is: $32 per person based on 1 motor
coach.
Members
Name___________________________________________________
Number Amount
Tour #1 St
Augustine _______ x $32
_______
Tour #2 LaCruise
Casino _______ Free
Tour #3
Shopping _______ x
$32 _______
Tour #4 Dinner
Cruise _______ x $48
_______
Tour #5 Mayport/USS JFK
_______ x $30 _______
Tour #6 LaCruise
Casino _______ Free
Tour #7
Shopping _______ x
32 _______
Tour Sign Up Deadline is September 12th, 2003
Send this form and check payable to the USS Lexington CV 16 Association to:
Lloyd Friedli
P.O. Box 16
Lexington, Il 61753
Don't wait any longer Sign up for the reunion now.
This may be the last reminder
By MELISSA MERLI
Al Albers was never leery
of having cancer.He figured it was hereditary, and his family didn't have it.
He remembers his clients who had cancer always saying their mother or father
had had it. However, two years ago, Albers was diagnosed withprostate cancer.
He underwent radiation treatment and was given a clean bill of health. A couple
of months ago, an examination revealed Albers has colon cancer. He had surgery
June 6."They think they got it all," he said. Still, he will under go
chemotherapy starting Monday. All of this has put an end to his 56-year career
as a barber. The man who got, his start cutting hair in the Navy reluctantly
closed his shop in Champaign last month. He had been at different locations,
most recently at 511 N. Neil St., for many years, He estimates he had 300
clients who returned to him again and again. "He was going to personally call
each one of them," said his wife, Joan. "Then we started going through the
list, and there was no way."
Many customers have sent cards and some have
called. "They're sorry I'm going through what I'm going through," Albers said.
"I've cut some for more than 40 years." Albers will remain captain of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5520 color guard, which marches in parades and
performs military rites at funerals and other ceremonies. Since 1986, Albers
has participated in 500 funerals. Now 74, he hasn't marched with the guard in
the Champaign County Fourth of July parade for a few years now. This year he
planned to watch as much of the long parade as he could, on TV at home. He
helped arrange for the guard and for members of the post auxiliary and junior
members to ride on the National Guard float in Wednesday's parade.
A railroad employee during World War II, Albers
enlisted in the Navy. It was during his nine-year stint that he got set on his
career path. One day, after helping peel potatoes by hand for 3,500 soldiers,
he went for a haircut at the barbershop on the USS Lexington. It needed another
barber. He decided cutting hair would be preferable to peeling potatoes.
During his tour of duty, Albers witnessed at
least one historic event: the signing of the treaty that ended World War II.
Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Japanese leaders signed the document on the USS
Missouri in Tokyo Bay; Albers watched from the flight deck of the nearby
Lexington.
After Albers left the Navy with the rank of
petty officer second class, he continued to cut hair. He did it on the side for
seven years while working full-time as a firefighter for the University of
Illinois Fire Department. Then he became a full-time barber because he said it
was more lucrative than his fire fighting job, which paid $175 a month.
In the early 1960s Albers
was so successful that he employed younger barbers at his four chair shop in
Champaign."When the Beatles came . that ended that," he said. "I just ended up
working by myself. They damn near broke me."
Over the years he also mad6
house calls to homebound clients, and gave some men their last haircuts at
funeral homes. "I didn't do as much when the flattop went out," he said of
the'50s hairstyle still in demand for the dearly departed. "When the flattops
were in, I did quite a few."
On Aug. 1, Al and his wife, Joan, will celebrate 54 years of marriage. They met
after the war, in California. Al was 20 and she was 17. She was dating Al's
best friend. She, her boyfriend, Al and a blind date all went out. The next
day Al was on Joan's doorstep, and they wed 10 days later. "It just seemed like
we clicked," Joan said.
Joan, 71, recently quit her job at Meijer to
care for her husband. They have three children, nine grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way.
Not sure if this is true
but its nice.
TAPS
We in the United States
have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump
in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind
the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble
beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in
1862 during the Civil War,when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his
men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other
side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the
moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was
a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring
the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach
through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling
him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he
discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern
and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he
saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music
in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy
enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning,
heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full
military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially
granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members
play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down
since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they
did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler.
He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of
paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.
This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now
know as "Taps" ... used at military funerals was born.
The words are ...
(a) Day is done ... Gone
the sun ... From the lakes ... From the hills
From the sky ... All is
well ... Safely rest ... God is nigh ...
(b) Fading light ...
Dims the sight ... And a star ... Gems the sky ...
Gleaming bright ... From
afar ... Drawing nigh .. Falls the night ...
(c) Thanks and praise
... For our days ... Neath the sun .... Neath the stars,..
Neath the sky ... As we
go ... This we know ... God is nigh ...
I, too, have felt the
chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song
until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew
the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd
pass it along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
To my friends and fellow
veterans,
The Military Order of the
Purple Heart has announced that the long awaited and hard fought -for Purple
Hear Stamp is now a step closer to reality.
The expected date of issue
is around Memorial Day. The issuance of this unique stamp pays honor and
tribute to those living and dead who have been awarded the Purple Heart for
wounds received in combat. Especially more timely today to honor those Americans
involved in combat in Iraq.
Make it a point that when
the stamp is issued you buy it and use it instead of the idiotic hollywood and
cartoon stamps. Insist at your Post Office that the Purple Heart Stamp be made
available. Flood the mails and Post Office with envelopes bearing this stamp.
If you agree, and I hope you do, please pass
this on. Joe Saluzzi
What others are doing now
Bob Widen (AIAP '96) couldn't conceive of doing
nothing when he retired. After 33 ) years of working as a self-employed
distributor of physical education and recreation equipment, he went back to
school to earn his master's degree in 1994 with the ultimate goal of becoming a
teacher. One of the oldest graduates Of the program, he earned his
degree in political science in 1996. Now, he puts his degree to work around the
world, teaching enlisted men and women on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. Widen is
an adjunct faculty member with Central Texas College and works with the Navy
through the PACF program Pacifica Afloat College Education. The goal of PACE is
to improve the quality of life and encourage education. Enlisted men and women
can earn credits through CTC during their off-duty hours Widen first applied to
the program to teach English, but because of his background and
experience, including, a five-year stint on the Prescott City Council, the
program recruited him to teach government.
In March 2002 Widen received his first
assignment aboard the USS Lake Erie, a guided missile cruiser in Pearl Harbor
that sailed to Sidney, Australia. In August, he boarded the USS Constellation in
San Diego harbor. In September, Widen taught on the USS Abe Lincoln in
Bremerton,Washington (which Is the same place he had boarded the USS
Lexington when he was a Navy sailor 1945). During this assignment he went
to Bahrain in the North Arabian Sea off of Pakistan and returned home just in
time for Thanksgiving. "The nice thing is that assignments only go two mouths.
Then I come home and relax. And I can pick and choose my assignments," Widen
said.
Typically, Widen is among seven instructors
on board the ship and reaches 10-12 students per class. He teaches six days
per week-, with two classes per day three times a week and a third class three
days per week. Each class is about two hours.
The goal in his class, Widen said, is to "make
the classes relevant. I teach theory and then apply it to current
circumstances. That's what's fun reaching back and connecting with history -
the more things change, they more they stay the same."
Widen believes that all education is
fundamentally self-education, and the most important element in becoming
educated is a deep-seated motivation to do so. "The most satisfying part of the
experience , he said, "is the interaction with the students, i.e. hearing what
they believe and watching 'the fight go on' when they achieve an understanding
of the material."
When not on assignment, Widen continues to read
and research extensively in political theory and religious studies. He Is
currently preparing a paper for the: Dr. Felix Padilla Colloquium on "The New
Latin America: The Struggle Of Latino:/Latina University Students in Search of-
a Liberating Education" to be held at Kent State University in September and is
on the Editorial Board of the secondary school text "Fitness for Life." he hopes
to set sail again sometime in March or June . -Karlyn Haas
Just a short note to ask
for some help.
A book written by my
father-in-law, Otto Romanelli, (Lt.Com. Ret.) has just been published by
Turner Publishing.It is called "Blue Ghost Memoirs" (USS Lexington 1943 -
1945) Larry Hower
I got an advance copy of
this book. I found it very enjoyable reading. Some of the stories were serious
at the time but are humorous reading now. You'll read about the new landlubber
sailors ride through their first heavy sea, the lost boat, torpedo hit, Kamikaze
hit, Typhoon, Turkey shoot ,Leyte Gulf and more. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
The Cost is $19.95 plus
$7.00 shipping You can get it from :
Turner Publishing Co. (With
credit card) Toll Free phone 8 AM-4:30 PM,CT(M-F) 1-800-788-3350
Or regular mail Turner
Publishing Co.
412 Broadway P.O. Box 3101 Paducah, KY.
42002-3101
ENTERTAINERS
The Entertainers of 2003
have been in all of the news media lately. It seems Newspaper, Television and
Radio has been more than ready to put them and their message before the public.
I would like to remind the people of what the entertainers of 1943 >were doing,
(60 years ago). Most of these brave men have since passed on.
Alec Guinness (Star Wars)
operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day.
James Doohan ("Scotty" on
Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U.S. Army on D-Day.
Donald Pleasance (The Great
Escape) really was a R.A.F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured
by the Germans.
David Niven was a Sandhurst
graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy.
James Stewart flew 20
missions as a B-24 pilot in Europe. He reached the rank of Brigadier General and
was in the Reserves for many years following his discharge.
Clark Gable (Mega-Movie
Star when war broke out) was a waist gunner flying missions on a B-17 in Europe.
Charlton Heston was an Army
Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak.
Ernest Borgnine was a U.S.
Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945.
Charles Durning was a U.S.
Army Ranger at Normandy.
Charles Bronson was a tail
gunner in the Army Air Corps.
George C. Scott was a U.S.
Marine.
Eddie Albert (Green Acres
TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U.S. Naval officer
aiding Marines at the horrific >battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific
Nov.1943.
Brian Keith served as a
Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabal in the
Pacific.
Lee Marvin was a marine on
Saipan when he was wounded.
John Russell was a Marine
on Guadalcanal.
Robert Ryan was a U.S.
Marine who served with the O.S.S. in Yugoslavia.
Tyrone Power (an
established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the Marines, was a
pilot flying supplies into, and wounded Marines out of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Audie Murphy, little guy
from Texas, Most Decorated serviceman of WWII.
I wish I had room to tell
you more about Actor Sterling Hayden and an actor by the name of Peter J. Ortiz
(Twelve O'clock High, Rio Grande and The Wings of Eagles), but this would turn
into a book.
There is quite a huge gap
between the heroics and patriotism in 1943 and the cowardly despicable posturing
of the Hollywood crowd of today.. all of which smack of sedition and treason.
USS LEXINGTON CV 16 ASSOCIATION YEAR 2002 ILLINOIS PICNIC
The USS Lexington CV 16
Association Illinois Picnic is open to, and welcomes all members and their
families.
WHEN: Friday
evening July 25 to Sunday July 27
WHERE:
Bloomington/Normal, Illinois
MOTEL:
Signature Inn, at the corner of Veterans Parkway (Business I-55)
and
College Avenue
Rate: $55.00 plus taxes per night, double occupancy (this is a
Military rate). Handicap accommodations are available. Please
advise the clerk when making reservations. Also be sure and tell them you
are reserving a room as part of the USS Lexington group. Reservation
Number: 1-309-454-4044.
ACTIVITIES: Friday July 26th:
"Hospitality Room" gathering of shipmates and evening of fellowship.
Saturday July 27th:
Continental Breakfast A.M.
12:30 P.M. Lunch in Hospitality Room
Menu:
BBQ - Beans - Potato Salad Chips, e.t.c.
Then
those who want to go to Para-Dice-Gambling, Peoria can do so - others on their
own at Mall within walking distance, pool, e.t.c….Para-Dice, take advantage of
there good buffet before returning.
Saturday Evening
- Hospitality Room open for fellowship.
Sunday
July 28th: Continental
Breakfast
Farewells to the travelers
CHAIRPERSONS: DICK BATTERSHELL and
LLOYD FRIEDLI - Come join us, come for part; come for all - a good time will be
had by all - RSVP form below or for more information contact Dick at
1-815-672-8950 or Lloyd at 1-309-365-4281.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
MEMORIAL DAY
I AM A VETERAN
LAIN UNDER THE SOD,
I’M IN THE
GOOD COMPANY, I’M UP HERE WITH GOD
COME TO MY
GRAVE AND VISITWITH ME,
GAVE MY LIFE
SO YOU COULD BE FREE.
TODAY IS
MEMORIAL DAY THROUGHOUT THIS GREAT LAND
THERE’S
AVENUES OF FLAGS, PARADES AND BANDS.
CAN HEAR THE
MUSIC, THE FIRING SQUAD AND TAPS
HERE COME MY
COMRADES, THE LEGIONNAIRES, THE BLUECAPS.
ONE OF THEM
JUST PUT A FLAG BY MY STONE.
SOME DAY HE’LL
HAVE ONE BY HISOWN.
SOME THINK OF
THIS DAY AS JUST A DAY FREE FROM TOLL,
WHILE OTHERS
ARE BUSY WORKING THE SOIL.
THEY SAY THEY
HAVE PLANS, OTHER THINGS TO DO.
DON’T PUT US
ASIDE AS YOU WOULD AN OLD SHOE.
COME VISIT MY
GRAVE IN THIS CEMETERY SO CLEAN,
THIS IS WHAT
MEMORIAL DAY MEANS.
THERE ARE MANY
OF US LYING IN WAKE LESS SLEEP
IN CEMETERIES
OF GREEN AND OCEANS OF DEEP.
` IT’S SAD THAT FOR
MANY WHO FOUGHT SO BRAVE,
NOW NO ONE
COMES TO VISIT THEIR GRAVE.
THEY DIED SO
YOU COULD HAVE ONE WHOLE YEAR FREE.
NOW CAN’T YOU
SAVE THIS ONE DAY FOR ME?
THERE ARE
SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN UP HERE,
WHO WENT INTO
BATTLE DESPITE OF THEIR FEAR.
I’VE BEEN
TALKING UP HERE TO ALL OF THOSE MEN.
IF THEY HAD TO
DO IT OVER, THEY’D DO IT AGAIN.
LOOK, SOMEONE
IS COMING TO VISIT MY GRAVE.
IT’S MY
FAMILY, FOR THEM MY LIFE I GAVE.
MY WIFE, I
REMEMBER OUR LAST EMBRACE,
AS I LEFT THE
TEARS STREAMED DOWN YOUR FACE.
I THINK YOU
KNEW THE DAY I SHIPPED OUT,
I WOULDN’T
RETURN, YOUR LIFE’D BE TURNED ABOUT.
THERE’S MY
DAUGHTER THAT I USED TO HOLD.
CAN IT BE THAT
YOU’RE NEARLY TWENTY YEARS OLD?
NEXT MONTH IS
TO BE YOUR WEDDING DAY,
I WISH I COULD
BE THERE TO GIVE YOU AWAY.
MY SON’S HERE
TOO, DAD’S LITTLE MAN,
` ALWAYS LOVE YOUR COUNTRY,
DO FOR IT WHAT YOU CAN.
THERE IS ONE
THING THAT REALLY DID BOTHER,
IS SEEING YOU
GROW UP WITHOUT THE AID OF A FATHER.
I WISH YOU
COULD ALL HEAR ME FROM UP ABOVE,
THAT’S A
FATHER’S BEST GIFT TO HIS CHILDREN IS LOVE.
AND WHAT
BETTER WAY TO PROVE MY LOVE TO THE END?
IS THAT A MAN
LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.
I SEE IT’S
TIME FOR YOU TO GO HOME,
YOUR VISIT
MADE IT EASIER TO REMAIN HERE ALONE.
DON’T CRY
HONEY, YOU LOOK SO SAD.
YOUR CHILDREN
ARE FREE, YOU SHOULD BE GLAD.
DAUGHTER,
THANKS FOR THE BOUQUET SO CUTE,
THANK YOU SON,
FOR THAT SHARP SALUTE.
COME AGAIN, I
FORGOT, YOU CAN’T HEAR ME FROM UP HERE.
BUT I KNOW
YOU’LL COME VISIT ME NEXT YEAR.
I HOPE ALL
VETERANS ARE TREATED THIS WAY,
ON THIS DAY TO
REMEMBER, MEMORIAL DAY!!!
Thanks to Ron Raag for sending this.
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