2010 - WASHINGTON, D.C.

2010 - WASHINGTON, D.C.
9 - 13 SEPTEMBER 2010
HOSTED BY ROBERT DOLEHIDE

Headquarters for the reunion was the Holiday Inn Arlington. 17 shipmates, including one Plank Holder, (Russell Hunter) attended along with approximately 30 friends and family for a total of 47. Thursday the 9th was spent visiting in the hospitality room or sightseeing in small groups (or just resting after traveling to the reunion).

Friday the 10th started with a bus trip to Mount Vernon

First the bus ride

Just the first view of the main house was worth the ride

The visitors center had a lot of information

WE NEED MORE PICTURES OF THE MOUNT VERNON TOUR - IF YOU HAVE ANY PLEASE CONTACT ME.

After Mount Vernon, we had a tour of Old Town Alexandria on way back to the hotel for lunch (on own). Following lunch we were bused to the US Capitol building for a tour arranged by Robert Aderhold from Jim Beason's congressional district.

We were not alone in wanting to tour the capitol

There is always a line in Washington

On the return trip to the Hotel we stopped at the Iwo Jima Memorial

Saturday the 11th started with our bus ride to the Navy Memorial in downtown DC for the Plaque dedication.

The Merrick Plaque

Color Guard Post colors.

Present Arms

We placed a wreath in front of the Lone Sailor as part of the ceremony.

Rendering Honors

The colors are retired

Ladies of the Merrick with the Lone Sailor

The men of the Merrick with the color guard and the Lone Sailor

A salute to end the ceremony

Following the dedication we had lunch in the Navy Memorial conference room.

After lunch we traveled to the Washington Naval Yard for a tour of the USS Barry and the Navy Museum.

We then returned to the hotel for rest and to get ready for our banquet and auction.

Bob is ready to start the auction.

There is always a cake.

Russell Hunter (Plank Holder) was joined by his niece and her daughter at the banquet.

We presented Bob with a memento of the reunion to thank him for his hard work.

A miniature Lone Sailor.

Sunday the 12th was a special day - Arlington. Robert (Bob) Dolehide had worked with Arlington National Cemetery to allow the Merrick to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. At our meeting the evening of the 11th, Robert, along with Dick Bonn, Bob Renner and Steve Paul were given the honor of laying the wreath.