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DQS REUNION — MILLENNIUM 2000
WASHINGTON, D.C.
If you weren’t able to attend the DQS Reunion in Washington, D.C., you missed a good one. Those who were there know what I’m talking about. We were busy, we got tired and we ENJOYED! Our thanks goes out to reunion host Joe Belardo & his family and to the others who worked on putting this reunion together and who worked during the reunion to ensure its success. JOB’S WELL DONE!!!
As I’m sure Joe & the others would attest to, we were very gratified by the number of members, guests and loved ones who attended. We were very pleased with the large number (30-35) of first time attendees. We trust that we will see you again at future reunions. We had 95-100 DQS Vets, 13 Gold Star Mothers, 10 or so guests and a good number of our loved ones present. GREAT TURNOUT! Your attendance plays a huge part in any success we realize at our reunions.
Many of our group arrived in DC early in the week to take in and visit several of the sites available in and around our nation’s capitol. (And to locate the good restaurants and eateries) Then on Thursday we got down to the reunion functions starting with signing in, getting acquainted, looking at pictures-tapes & etc. The Reunion Stamp Cancellation was well received and utilized, with the gentleman from the Postal Service being very personable, well versed and helpful (Thanks, Hugh). The performance by Eagle’s Elite (a female patriotic drill group from Southern Illinois) on Thursday evening was very enjoyable and made us proud of the youth of our country. We were very appreciative of this group’s performance, its content and the girl’s willingness to stay around and talk afterward. Very Nice!
On Friday morning we bussed to the Iwo Jima Monument and attended the pomp and pageantry of the Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony. As always, it was sharply done and enjoyable. We then bussed to Arlington Cemetery where we visited sites of interest before gathering at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. Here DQS stood tall as they looked sharp in solemnly and dignifyingly performing a wreathe laying ceremony amidst the sea of red hats and coats present. The evening was spent visiting with one another and sharing pictures, memories & etc.
 DQS honor squad |
Saturday was, as I’m sure all will attest, a full day. After rising early, we bussed to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to participate in the ceremonies there. It was good to see many of our newer attendees have the opportunity to participate in the wreathe laying at the ‘Wall’. I’m sure that this was meaningful to them and that they will cherish and treasure their memories of this for a long time. After this ceremony, we walked to the Vietnam Women’s Memorial where our ladies laid a wreathe honoring those who gave succor and comfort to their loved ones (us) while they (we) served in Vietnam. Many visited the nearby Korean War Memorial and several enjoyed the opportunity to attend the groundbreaking ceremonies for the WWII Memorial. It was particularly meaningful for us to be able to attend this historic event, due to many of our fathers and other relatives having honorably served in or in support of this momentous event.
Upon returning to our HQ (hotel) we efficiently took care of business at the DQS Annual Business Meeting before preparing for the DQS Banquet. After the Open Bar was enjoyed and the DQS Officers filed in, we held a raucous ‘Roll Call’ and solemn POW-MIA remembrance before enjoying a long awaited, sumptuous meal. Following the meal, we
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