Welcome back...
During the reception, videotaped interviews, of the "Quiet Heroes" author as well as several of the nurses profiled in the book, were being conducted by Sergeant Prekin USMC of the U.S. Navy News.
At the conclusion of the reception, the colors were presented. The invocation was given by Gunnery Sergeant Garrison Gigg USMC (Ret.) after which lunch was served.
An excellent meal of Chicken Parisian with Rice was served by the staff of "The Clubs of Quantico". Our hats off to the Chef ! There was however an unexpected "surprise" dessert for one particular attendee. The mystery began as the main meal was winding down and CDR Frances Omori, USN and veteran nurse Marilyn Ewing Affleck stepped up to the podium to announce a surprise birthday.
Who's birthday could that be??????
We will give you a hint...
(1) He is one hell of a Marine who served his country well in the Korean War.
(2) His nickname is "Gunny ".
(3) He is a member of "The Chosin Few ".
Now do you know who it is???
Happy Birthday to you "Gunny" Garrison Gigg !
As "Gunny" stepped up to the podium the "Girls" showered him with hugs...
kisses... and a bag of goodies.
Some Marines have all the luck !
Gunny accepted these gifts quite graciously and then proceeded to give a short but very eloquent "thank you" speech.
Now it was time for this Marine to cut his cake !
Gunny presented the very first piece, with much affection, to the "oldest" veteran Navy Nurse present. His "battle-plan" called for the next piece to go to the youngest nurse present but as he put it...."You all look so young to us here today that I can't select just one of you". And so the cake was cut and served to all.
Congratulations Gunny from all of us !
During lunch, the base newspaper reporter was also busy interviewing the "Quiet Heroes " nurses.
When lunch concluded, it was time for the main program. Gunnery Sergeant Garrison Gigg USMC (Ret.) served as "MC". After his opening remarks he then made the following presentations.
First he read a statement by Senator Daniel K. Inouye expressing his admiration for the nurses and corpsmen who served in Korea. He wished them well. Next a very poignant letter written by a Korean War Orphan was read. In this letter the writer made it clear how important the nurses and corpsmen had been to the orphans both in deed and thought. And that even 50 years later they were still very grateful to all who helped them during their greatest time of need.
Please click here to continue...
Digi-vents Start of Reunion II
©2001-2003 Chip Feise Location Photography All Rights Reserved