by Sue Kernan, February 2015
Every five years the Class of '58 returns to West
Point. The Memorial is special, Classmates and wives who are no longer
with us are always remembered in the Roll Call and Taps is
ever-haunting. The classmates walk in the Alumni Parade for the laying
of the wreath at the Sylvanus Thayer Memorial (Father of United States
Military Academy); the Corps of Cadets pass in review and '58 stands
proud to a man and the families applaud with tears and cheers. For
those of us who were privileged to live at West Point, it is a
homecoming.
Mini Reunions are held in the off-years. A group of classmates or even
one man will sponsor the event arranging hotel, tours and Benny Havens
Room. The Memorial is a significant moment in each reunion, a program
lists all who have died through the years, the Cadet Prayer in read in
unison, Roll Call is intoned by Company and Taps is played and the Alma
Mater is sung. (Often, when a '58 group assembles a Memorial is held;
annually in May at he Vietnam Wall in D.C.)
2015
MINI REUNION AUSTIN TEXAS
This Mini is upcoming in October 2015. Details can be seen at:
<http://www.west-point.org/class/reunion58/>.
Here is a brief review of past reunions. They are a joyous occasion of
friendship and profound respect for brothers and families.
2014 MINI REUNION
IN GULF COAST ALABAMA
Beautiful beach hotel on the Gulf of Mexico, Bridge offered by our own
Barbara Bauschpies; Sunset Catamarran cruise; Elvis Presley entertainer
2013 55th at WEST
POINT
Many '58 children and grandchildren returning with classmates and
widows returning to memories of housing, parades, the majesty of the
Hudson and tradition.
2012 WASHINGTON, DC
Wonderful tour of the military memorials to include Korean, Nurses in
Vietnam, Vietnam Wall and WWII; Arlington Cemetary and Military Women
Museum; Lincoln Memorial; Fine Art Museum, (classmate docents); Ford
Theater, etc.
2011 ORLANDO,
FLORIDA
Universal Studio Far East Hotel, Winter Park tour of Tiffany Museum,
Disney World, etc, etc.
2010 DENVER,
COLORADO
Mile high city, Air Force Academy tour, King Tut at the Museum
Of Art, US Mint, wonderful restaurants, shopping
2008 50th at WEST
POINT
Many children and some grandchildren present.. a gift to us to share
the tradition and deep friendships of '58. Memorial held in the Cadet
Chapel
banners overhead, echoes of the Long Gray Line.
2007 NEW ORLEANS,
LOUISIANA
18 months after Katrina in support of community; traditional parade of
'58 from hotel to restaurant with umbrellas, jazz horns and dance;
moving Memorial at St Francis with street musician playing Taps on the
clarinet
2006 SAVANNAH,
GEORGIA
Southern comfort along the Mississippi, shaded walks, fine old homes,
eats and shopping
2005 SAN FRANCISCO,
CALIFORNIA*
2004 SAN ANTONIO,
TEXAS
Barbecue and Country Western dancing under the stars at the old
railroad station, artisans' shopping. Memorial in front of the Alamo at
dawn before the tourists were out and about.
2003 45th at WEST
POINT, CRUISE TO NOVA SCOTIA
Memorial in the Cadet Chapel solemn and profound.
2002 PENSACOLA,
FLORIDA
Beachside relaxation with old friends, fantastic dinner/dance at the US
Navy Air Museum under the old planes exhibit.
2001 SANTA FE, NEW
MEXICO
In the Plaza surrounded by museums, shops and Southwest scenery;
Dinner/Dance with a band playing oldies, lots of sing-a-longs.
2000 PORTLAND,
OREGON; Alaska Cruise
Magnificent tour of Columbia Gorge and waterfall, walks along the river
with Mt. Hood in view, Memorial at the Vietnam War Memorial at the Rose
Garden. Alaskan Cruise, a wonder of wildlife, Innuit culture and
nightlife onboard.
1998 40th at WEST
POINT CRUISE TO BERMUDA
Memorial held lakeside in the woods at Buckner, heart resounding
tribute to classmates and wives and our everlasting bond.