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Okay here's a quick one before I go take care of my morning orders for my store...

Colin and I at the Saturday night formal dinner at the hotel.

Well here I am back home in the UK after 4 days that will live in my memory for ever. I was honoured to attend the 36th/540th reunion in Pennsylvania and must first of all thank Marion for inviting me and John Fallon for the welcome that he and all the others gave me. The vets and their families and the sons and daughters of those no longer with us, made my stay so special to me.

I have already decided that I will attend next year, so many people said I had to go back and told me they expected me to be there!

I now have 25 more friends in the USA, to go along with those in Canada the UK and other parts of the world, all with a common link of WWII.

I have a large number of pics but I have chosen just two. The 1st a group shot of the Vets along with a re-enactor. The 2nd, a very important one to me of Iradell Gaylen a US Army Engineer who fought on Sicily and Gene his brother who was in the US Infantry and landed on D-Day. My long conversation with both of them was the highlight of my visit. Of course meeting Marion for the first time who I have known since the start of her website 6 years ago was also special.

Colin.

Sure was an EXTRA-SPECIAL weekend. Just when you think they can't get any better; they do. And Colin was one who definitely made his mark on the event.

I am hoping your trip to the reunion will help inspire those who live in the states, to attend next year. If you can fly all the way from England, then someone who lives an hour away or one state away, can surely make an effort to attend this very special event.

As I always tell everyone, I look forward to flying to PA more than anything else on my calendar during the year. I think Colin can understand that now.

Well off to put on a pot of coffee. More pics coming your way soon...

Maybe we could get up a party to visit from your website European Branch, Marion. Would'nt that be great??

Colin.

Okay, thought Vee would jump in first!!!

Okay, thought Vee would jump in first!!!

It would be wonderful to be among you.!! I'd be really glad !! Hope one day it will be possible !!

I'm Glad to hear you had a great time with Colin !!

Vee

Taken from http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/ website.

Owen.

Looks a good event Colin.

How did an ex-RAF chap from Bassett get himself invited to that do?

My reply:

Yes Owen it was a great event.

I have been a member of the 36th/540th Combat Engineers website, set up by Marion Chard to honour her dad, since 2004. My only connection has been my research and other activities concerning Operation Husky, Sicily 1943. Her dad landed at Licata beach on the southern shore of the island with Patton's 7th US ARMY on the 10th July.

They made this ex RAF erk very welcome!

Colin.

Link: Combined 36th/540th Reunion 2010 - VI CORPS COMBAT ENGINEERS WWII

PS. Fingers crossed for you Vee!

More pictures from the reunion.

1. A musical event with Margi's family. (reminded me of the film music from Deliverence!)

2. Marion's jeep trip.

3. Our table at Saturday's banquet.

4. Three generations of Margi's family with me - Dad, uncle, Margi and her youngest son.

5. A general view of some of those present on Saturday evening.

6. 5 of the real stars of the whole event. Vets and on the right the one and only John Fallon who along with Marion made my weekend so special.

Thanks Colin. Very nice. I haven't had a chance to get to mine yet, but they're coming soon. Promise.

GREAT TIME!!!