Rocky Hill, Connecticut
Weekend of August 24 - 25 - 26, 2006
The reunion started off Friday morning with a bus trip to Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. There were a couple of winners, but all had a grand time.
Attendance at Friday night's one hour slide show hovered around 40. Most of the slides were copies of pictures I obtained during a recent research trip to the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
A large portion of the photos were from the W.W.II Pacific Theater, while the remainder were of the Division's three years in Germany during the Korean War.
We had trouble finding a Chaplain for the service because most had other obligations, but my sister
Sue Ann Holt (daughter of Walter Thiede, 169th Infantry) stepped in and did a splendid job.
The Necrology was read by PNC Howard F. Brown and was followed by a traditional rifle salute and the playing of Taps.
On display at the Memorial Service was a foamboard 1/3rd model of our proposed 43d monument, and the first brass memorial plaque for the monument. The monument with its 300 memorial brick walk will be erected in the State Veterans Cemetery.
LCR Denis Thiede of the Barque Eagle Sea Cadets was kind enough to supply two Color Guards for the opening dinner ceremony.
After dinner, music was supplied by the George Manstan Big Band. They were absolutely great, and everyone had a grand time dancing.
The 60th reunion attendance was 71 total counting members and their guests.
The 61st National Reunion will be held in Rutland, Vermont in August of 2007.