2004 - BRANSON

2004 BRANSON
17 -21 OCTOBER
HOSTED BY STEVE AND CORIEN PAUL

The reunion was held at the Settle Inn in Branson. 35 shipmates were able to attend, including 2 plank holders (Bill Middlesworth and James Purdy). Total attendance, including spouses, family members, and guest, was 74. Events included a tour of the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, a Memorial Service, lunch and show on the Branson Bell, a quilt project by the ladies, and a banquet on last night.

On Monday afternoon we visited the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson. The museum has a room with the names of all service men and women killed in WWII on the walls of the room. The same room contains the worlds largest war memorial sculpture. It is 70 feet long and consist of fifty lift size soldiers storming a beach. Each figure is modeled after an actual combat veteran, one from each of the 50 states. Bill Miller and Don Russell look over the sculpture.

On Tuesday we held our memorial service on the grounds of the Branson Bell showboat. The service included the Pledge of Allegiance, a short service, the reading of names of departed shipmates (those we learned of since the last reunion), the playing of "Amazing Grace" and TAPs. Steve Paul read the names of our departed shipmates. We then boarded the Branson Belle for lunch and the show.

Between the 2003 and 2004 reunions, the ladies of the Merrick had been busy making lap quilts for our more senior shipmates and those with health problems that kept them from attending reunions. A total of 22 quilts were created and either awarded during the reunion (James Purdy and Bill Middlesworth shown here) or mailed to others, including 5 plank holders, after the reunion was over.

The banquet was held on our last night in Branson. It was enjoyed by all, especially the cake. Following the Banquet, group pictures were taken of this great looking group.