The reunion this year was held at the Renton Holiday Inn minutes away from the Seattle
airport. Wednesday morning the arrivals were greeted when coming into the main lobby
for their sign-ins. George and Georgia had "T" shirts with the Valley's picture which
was docking in San Diego in 1952. The recovery room was located down the hall from the
lobby and was opened after everyone got their room accommodations.
Thursday morning our bus trip was to the Museum of Flight which was located adjacent to
old Boeing Aircraft Field. With two bus loads we were separated into smaller groups with
our own tour guides. Boeing originally was in the lumbering business and wood working
with boats and then into wooden frame aircraft. The museum had replicated many very
early aircraft. After touring we stopped for a lunch break and had a prepared box lunch
from the cafeteria. We were then on our own to explore the other exhibits of our choice
which were more than you could cover in a full week. Out the back and across the street
were the Concord and President Johnson's Air Force One. We had a chance to visit the
control tower and walk through a section of the space shuttle exhibit. Yes and there was
a Corsair for us to view. Unfortunately we couldn't stay longer because the buses were
waiting to return us to our lodging and the recovery room.
Friday's adventure started with another bus trip in the afternoon. Our driver gave us a
informative description of Seattle on our way to pier 55 for our boat cruise. We
were headed for Tillicum Village Dinner Show on Blake Island Marine State Park. Embarking
on time we headed across the bay and disembarked at a float landing. After walking up to
the village were served steamed clams and broth before entering the long house. There were
Indian craft exhibits on the way to the dinner show. The main entrees were baked chicken
or smoked salmon prepared over smoked coals in a pit. While dining we were entertained
by the Greg Thompson Productions performing the legendary show called the "Dance on the
Wind". After the show ended we went to the tourist trap Gift Gallery which featured many
items that represent Northwest Native culture. The boat horn sounded for the return boat
trip across the bay to pier 55. Our buses were on time for the return trip to the hotel
and the recovery room.
Saturday morning started off at a fast pace. 8:00 AM was the steering committee meeting
followed by the business meeting at 10:00 AM for all hands. The ladies had their get
together and viewed a CD of Alaska. Six of the ladies went on sight seeing tour of
Seattle. The recovery room closed at 3:30 and the banquet cocktail hour started at 4:30,
followed by a splendid buffet of outstanding food. At each banquet we take time to honor
our deceased with the ringing of the bell for each member when the roll call mentions
their name. This year we especially remembered Bill Hodges who was our Master at Arms and
a good friend to all of us. Our guest speaker was Captain Peter Rush USN Chief of Staff
Naval Northwest Region from the Bremerton Naval Base. He explained the many new changes
and concepts the Navy has implemented to keep our fleet the best in the world but he did
say there were still many of the traditions that still carry on. He also took time to
honor our shipmate Ragnar Temte who was with us for his first reunion. Ragnar spent
15 yrs / 4 mths on board the Valley before leaving as LTJG Temte. He retired from the
Navy with 27 years active duty and 3 years Fleet Reserve as full LT. His wife Carolyn
says he survived WWII, The Korean Conflict and The Vietnam War and nearly 40 years as
her hero.
We continued with our customary raffle and danced to the music of the Dennis
Secord Western Band. Ron Anderson our singing barber did a few vocals as well. There were
a few farewells for those who were leaving early in the morning.
On Sunday morning the recovery room was open early to get a quick bite to eat and to
say our good-byes till we meet in Minneapolis, Minnesota September 9, 2009 with God's
help. We especially want to thank Georgia and George for hosting such a fine reunion.
Many thanks also go to their helpers for making this a special success.
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