Classmates:

This is your formal invitation to the June 8th memorial ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C, and to the brunch that follows.  Please join classmates, families and next of kin.

Bottom Line Up Front:
We need FIRM COMMITMENTS on the number for brunch, as we must guarantee a certain number and pay accordingly. 

Your Action:
RSVP to:  tilleryg@cox.net NLT May 9th. Once you RSVP, you are committing to pay for that number at a cost of $35 per person.  Payment will be taken at the door.  There is no need to RSVP is you are not able to attend.


Our Plan For the June 8 Memorial Ceremony:

0830: Arrival / Parking:
Please assemble between 0830 - 0850, Sunday June 8th, on the knoll adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (east side).  Signs will mark the location

0900 - 0930:  Ceremony
Our ceremony starts promptly at 0900.  Our purpose is to gather on the site of the Vietnam Memorial to honor and pay respect to our classmates lost in the Vietnam War.  We have invited the families of those we lost, and expect several to participate.  The ceremony will conclude at 0930.

0940:  Group Photo
After the ceremony, a photographer will take a group photo.  Please listen for a call to assemble soon after the ceremony ends.

1030:  Brunch
Brunch will be at the Fort Myer Officers Club.  Check in and pay on the 2nd floor of the Club - starting at 1000 hrs.  We will have a short program at 1030 to remember other departed classmates and family members. 

Please plan on arriving at Fort Myer as early as possible, so that you allow time for entry* to Fort Myer, parking, check in at the class registration table and to be seated by 1030.  The brunch cost of $35.00 per person may be paid either by check or cash. 

* Fort Myer entry:  A quick ID check of vehicle occupants if you have a valid DOD windshield decal; full vehicle inspection if you do not have the decal.  You may wish to car pool from the memorial site to Fort Myer with someone who has a DOD vehicle


Dress:  Coat and tie is appropriate


Inclement Weather Plan:  We will hold the ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial unless bad weather hits (such as a thunder storm).  In the case of inclement weather, we will hold the ceremony in conjunction with the brunch at 1030.   If needed, the bad weather decision will be made around 0845 at the memorial site.  Classmates parked in the area (identified by visor / dashboard sign) will have directions to Fort Myer.  There is no inclement weather activity prior to the brunch, as our brunch room is not available until 1000 hrs.  For those escorting the family members of a classmate that we are honoring, please make every effort to locate that family to ensure that they get to the brunch. 


Lodging:  We have contracted a discount room block at the Doubletree Hotel National Hotel.  You may make reservations for both June 7 and June 8 at the reduced rate IF you reserve both nights at the same time.

Doubletree Hotel National Airport
300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202

(703) 416-4100

Group Rate Reservation Deadline is May 7th and the rate is $99. per night (excluding taxes and parking fees)
Block name:  "USMA 68 Reunion"  Please make sure to confirm the block rate of $99. per night)

There is guest parking on the hotel grounds at the rate of $19 / day (valet parking at $24 / day). 

For those not driving / renting a car, there is a hotel shuttle available from Reagan National Airport


If you have any lodging questions, Jerry Hansen is the man with all the answers.  Contact him at (703) 628-8088 or via email at jerry.hansen@cox.net


BOTTOM LINE;  RSVP to tilleryg@cox.net NLT May 9, 2008

Questions (other than lodging issues):  Contact Gordie Tillery at (703) 681-5521 (work) at via email at tilleryg@cox.net