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 Chard 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. Colin.
Colin - well done glad you had agood time and the fact that you will be there next year I guess means that you will not be coming to Canada ...? Cheers
Thank you Tom. No I had already decided not to visit Canada in 2011 but will be back there for the 70th anniversary of Husky in 2013 - god willing. Meanwhile I will be keeping in touch with you as always, but for the next 2 years you can keep your credit card in your wallet on Father's day! (private joke). Colin.
Colin - just when I have found an even more expensive restauarant in Vancouver - you are not coming ! Cheers
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
