USS DuPage Reunion 2005

Best Western Eden Resort, Lancaster, PA

September 7-11, 2005

   The 2005 reunion was a special event.  This year we enjoyed multiple generations of family member's company.  Having an opportunity to observe the interaction and interest in "Our Greatest Generation" by these young people was a rewarding experience for all.  Special thanks to Charlie and Louise Arms for hosting this year's event.  Their organization and planning made it a tremendous success.  Find outlined below some of the highlights of our reunion and some picture memories to share.  

    On Thursday, September 9th, the group traveled via luxury motor coach to the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, toured the massive indoor museum, and took a ride on a vintage turn of the century steam engine.  Great food was enjoyed by all at "Good and Plenty", a family style restaurant specializing in wholesome Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.  Plain, simple, and PLENTY!!!  During the afternoon we toured the Amish villages of the Lancaster area, enjoyed a wonderful narrative of Amish life, and visited several Amish shops.  Late in the day we stopped at an Amish home where we met several family members and viewed Amish quilt work and crafts.

   On Friday, September 10th, the group traveled to a Fine Arts Foundry, National Watch and Clock Museum, and then on to World Famous Hershey, PA, the home of Hershey's Chocolates.  No doubt that a few notches were let out of the belts this trip. 

   Friday night was a heart warming time for all in our Hospitality Suite.  Friends, families, and ship mates all gathered to share old war stories, look at pictures, discuss their jobs/duties aboard ship, and enjoy general fellowship.

   Saturday began with our annual meeting.  Lois Neilson will be sending out the meeting notes in our upcoming news letter.   The summary of the meeting is that the Association will continue and we will hold another reunion in Cincinnati Ohio next September.

   The reunion concluded with our annual reunion dinner.  Several speeches, a moving memorial tape was played of the ship's first Captain, and a picture presentation was played of past ship moments and the week's events.  Great food, companionship, fun, and warm times were shared by all..... and plenty of pictures......enjoy them!!!