After
Action Report Marines: This report is being prepared primarily for those unable to join us this year; however those making the trip may enjoy reminiscing a little. If you remember things a little differently or if you had experiences that were different from mine feel free to send out additions or corrections to my report. Wednesday was spent in meetings (me) and meeting and greeting new arrivals. That night, those on board at that time went to “Quaff's” Restaurant, who had a big “Welcome 1st Marine Division” banner in their window…felt like I was in Oceanside, again. On Thursday, some of our group went to visit the Steamboat Arabia that had once sunk prior to the Missouri River changing its course. It had been excavated and refurbished and was very interesting for those that went. In addition the tour visited the Liberty Memorial and Museum, the only museum in America devoted to the 1st World War. The Memorial includes a 190 ft. tower with an elevator to the top providing breathtaking 360 degree views. Thursday evening was spent at “Tanners” Restaurant with the 1/5 Vietnam Veterans Unit Chapter, where we enjoyed fine B B Que. Friday morning was the Division Memorial Service which was held in a park across the street from the hotel. The entire Division formed up in the adjacent street and was led by the 1st Division Band that had traveled from Camp Pendleton for the occasion. We were formed up by Regiment, Battalion and also by wars. The band provided several musical numbers followed by Division Chaplain, Bob Boardman , and BGen. Berkeiser, a Kansas City resident and Chairman of the Liberty Memorial Foundation. Following this was Echoing Taps and the playing of Division theme song “Waltzing Matilda” and the “Marine Hymn.” That afternoon most of us attended an old fashioned USO show put on by the Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, a fine group of talented (and scantily clad) ladies. They took us on a musical journey from the 1940's up through the present. Following that was a concert by the 1st Marine Division Band. Saturday morning was the 1st Division Association's business meeting for all members. This year's meeting was short and sweet with the announcement of the newly elected officers. I won't go into all of them; however the new president of our Association for the next two years will be Capt. G.G. “Peepsight” Pendas, who I had served with on the Association's Scholarship Committee. I'm excited about the leadership “Peepsight” will provide, especially the support he will provide for the Scholarship program. At 2:00 that afternoon was the very impressive 1/5 Unit Chapter's Memorial Service. This is always a very moving affair, and this year was no exception. We met in the beautiful, new auditorium of the Liberty Memorial. There we were greeted by an Honor Guard of Chapter members carrying flags of all of the Battalion's Companies along with the American and POW flag. Brief comments were made by chapter president, Gerry Regan, Association President Tom Vetter , followed by a most stirring speech by General Stephen Berkeiser, USMC (ret.), who had done two tours in Vietnam as a Lieutenant platoon leader and company commander. After his very moving remarks we proceeded outside where 780 small American flags were placed in Battalion formation. Each flag represented one of the members of 1/5 who had fallen in Vietnam and those, who we know of, that have died since the war. Comments were made by Gerry Regan and a granite “brick” memorial on the “Walk of Honor” was unveiled that honored all our 1/5 members who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Following this was “Amazing Grace” and The Marine Hymn” played on bagpipes. The ceremony ended with echoing taps. Saturday night brought the Association banquet /dance attended by nearly 900 of the association members and guests. We were thrilled by the remarks of 1st1st Marine Division Commanding Officer, MajGen R.F. Natonski. His stories of the heroism, courage, and dedication of the young Marine men and women serving in our division in Iraq filled us all with pride. He was followed by syndicated columnist, Ben Stein, who told us about the real heroes in America , and they aren't movie stars and athletes. For those unable to join us this year, you were missed. For those of you receiving this report that have never made the journey to one of these reunions, I can assure you that the time and expense to make it next year will be well worth the effort. For the Reunion August 23 – 27 in Denver , the featured guest and speaker at the banquet will be none other than Jim Webb, decorated Marine warrior, author and public servant. I'm sure that his participation in the Vietnam War as a platoon leader and later company commander of Delta Company 1/5 during the time most of you were in country and later Secretary of the Navy, will add a little zest to the reward of joining our 1/5 Vietnam Veterans band of brothers next year in Denver. Mark your calendar. Semper Fidelis, Mike Galyean (aka Lt. Koolade) |
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