I just got back from Floriday with my folks'. It was my Dad's Navy reunion. There are 20 some sailors left, who were on a ship during WW II. The name of the ship was "The Murphy". These guys and some of their family members get together once a year to reminisce about "the good ol days". It's fascinating to sit with them and hear them tell their stories. Each of them remember things in such detail, it's like it happened just yesterday instead of over 60 years ago. The reunion started on Wednesday evening and ended on Sunday. Saturday evening was the banquet with a short program ending with ringing a bell in honor of the sailors who passed away during the past year. (This is always a very moving event) It's amazing the love that these guys have for each other. Ollie is the 2nd from the left in the picture. He has trouble getting around now. He has a lot of help from a very loving wife and all the "guys" are there to assist him during the reunion. During the pledge of allegiance it was suggested to Ollie that he remain seated. He wouldn't hear of it! He started to get up and there were 3 or 4 men to help him stand. One man said "Ollie is our captain!". There were not many dry eyes in the room.
The story of "The Murphy" is fascinating. If you're interested in WW II history, it would be worth a Google search.
Next year, the reunion will take place in Rochester, New York. It would be nice if the bell wouldn't have to ring.
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