2011 BRANSON
11 - 16 SEPTEMBER 2011
HOSTED BY FARRELL AND MARY MORROW

Headquarters for the reunion was the Savanna House Hotel in Branson.  17 Shipmates, including one Plank Holder (James Purdy) attended along with approximately 28 friends and family for a total of 45. 

Sunday the 11th was pretty much time for us to rest up from travel and/or tour Branson on own.  However, Monday morning (after breakfast) we gathered in the hospitality room (furnished by the hotel for our private use for the entire reunion) so Farrell could bring us up to date on the overall schedule for the reunion.

Full buffet breakfast was provided by the hotel.

It was an great start for the day.

Always time for that last cup of coffee.

After we were all together, Farrell gave us a rundown on he schedule.

After Farrell was done, we spent the rest of the morning visiting.

Looking over memorabilia or

taking pictures.

After lunch on own we attended a show at the pierce Arrow Theater.

We then returned to the hotel for a buffet dinner provided by the hotel - their way of saying thanks for staying with them.  The rest if the evening was spent in fellowship, renewing friendships and telling sea stories.

The 13th started with (what else) morning coffee.

we then gathered on the driveway for the bus to take us to the Branson Bell Showboat.

We spent the time waiting to board visiting and taking pictures (of each other)

Just like the Merrick, standing in the chow line.

The main act of the show was a very entertaining comedian

who also played a mean violin.

She wrapped up the show with

the Star Spangled Banner

and Navy song.

Wednesday the 14th started off with our memorial service at the Shrine of the Holy Spirit next to the hotel.

James Purdy and family.

Color guard has arrived.

Color Guard is ready

Farrell reads the names of our departed shipmates.

He rings the ships bell for each name.

Color guard fires the salute

The bugler played taps

Then we try to get a shot of all the shipmates.

It took several tries.

I think we got it.

The girls are eaiser.

and better looking

The color guard retires the colors.

We then prepared for the bus ride to ride the Ducks and wrap up the memorial service by placing the wreath in the lake.

The duck ride included a tour of the quarry where rock for the dam was obtained.

In the Quarry there was a display of WWII vehicles of all types.

A view of the lake from the quarry

Had to blow our "quackers" as we passed each other.

We maneuvered to get close enough so everyone could see and hear.

Farrell placed the wreath in the lake.

Following the duck ride we had lunch at the Uptown Café.

Following lunch we took a short tour of the School of the Ozarks Hotel lobby.  The hotel is run by the students.

A few sprinkles as we arrived.

Hand made furniture (made at the college).

I thing we can all remember when this happened .

Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams praying over the Declaration of Independence.

Our Service flags and Old Glory.

We then returned to the Hotel to relax and get ready of dinner and show at the Dixie Stampede.  It was a long full day. 

The 15th was a day for sigh seeing on own around Branson until time for our closing banquet that evening.

Time to look over some of the memorabilia

And the items for the auction

Passing on our thanks to Farrell and Mary for a great reunion.