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After a two year delay for the Covid Pandemic the 9th Reunion of the
6/27th Artillery Vietnam was held at the Grand Plaza Hotel in Branson,
MO on August 24 & 25, 2022. The photo above shows those attending.
Although this turned out to be a smaller reunion in terms of attendance,
it was one of the best we have held. Fifty-one Cannon Kings and Queens
were originally registered to attend. Unfortunately, four registrants
were forced to leave the reunion early due to an illness and/or
emergencies. They were missed by those attending as well as those who
were long-time attendees who did not attend this year. The Reunion's unofficial start began in the Grand Plaza Hotel’s Sunset Room, the Pub now being permanently closed, on Tuesday, 8/23 where early arrivers met in the late afternoon. for drinks and conversation until well past 9:00. Registration began on Wednesday at 12:00 noon in the Grand Plaza Sunset Room. A Reception was held in the Sunset Room from noon until 10:00. Beer and soda were available along with snacks. A pizza buffet was served in the late afternoon delivered by the best voted pizza place in Branson. As at previous reunions this was a chance for those attending to greet old friends and to meet and get to know those attending a reunion for the first time. As with each previous reunion the dynamics for this reunion were different. We were happy to have a large number of Charlie Battery Cannon Kings again attend the reunion. It was great fun to meet each of them and they all added a great deal to this reunion. The friendliness and good spirit among all those attending was quite evident. Those attending had their Thursday daytime to enjoy Branson, attend the many available shows or get together for more comradeship and friendship renewal. The Grand Plaza Hotel rates included a free breakfast buffet which most attendees took advantage of each morning. The Banquet Dinner was held in the Grand Plaza Hotel Sunset Room on Thursday, August 25, 2022. The Grand Plaza staff provided a great meal with excellent service. By tradition the program was informal with a welcome from John Wavra with a benediction once again by Cannon King and Navy Chaplin, Tom Atkins. After dinner the room was called to order and Fallen Comrades and Friends not present were remembered with a moment of silence after their names were read aloud by selected table hosts and a toast offered by Bill Biggs to their memory. The traditional "Fallen Comrade" place was set at a table to remind each of us how fortunate we all were to have made it back from Vietnam and to be attending this reunion. It was again pointed out that all of us have been fortunate to live fifty plus years longer than our comrades who gave their lives in Vietnam. Les Higa reminded us of three missing comrades - Col Don Clay, Gary Graham & Dale Martin who all passed since our last gathering. Cannon Kings who attended previous reunions were helped to recall each of them with humorous stories. Each of these three Cannon Kings will continue to be missed at future reunions. The usual “around-the-room” self-introductions took place with all the fun that goes with it. Again, as with previous reunions, the floor was then opened to anyone who wanted to relate a memory, tell a funny story or whatever, and several Cannon Kings used this time to good advantage. It was fun to listen to new and old stories. When the last story was told the dinner was over a group photo was taken. An enlarged version is available for viewing. A short (10 Min.) video of the dinner is also available for viewing. The 2022 Reunion, it was agreed by most attending, had been a great success! Many thanks to all who attended the 2022 Reunion and to everyone who helped to make it the success that it was. A special thanks to each of the table hosts. And lastly, an extra special thanks to Les Higa, Roger Mallory and Ralph Porter, who, without their efforts over the last eighteen years, none of the reunions would have been possible. Each Cannon King who attended was emailed a detailed financial statement regarding the costs of the 2022 Branson Reunion, Hope to see you all in 2024! John Wavra |
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