60th Reunion at West Point:

On 20-24 May 2006, we had our 60th Reunion at West Point. From our depleted numbers, 360 grads, wives, widows, and family spent four days at the Holiday Inn in Suffern NY. We had an optional trip to NYC on Sunday for 62 to lunch near Ellis Island and within eyesight of the Statue of Liberty. The view from the second floor of the Liberty Restaurant of lower Manhattan was outstanding. Afterwards, we passed by "ground zero" and visited the Intrepid Museum.  On Monday, we went to the Academy for a Memorial Service in the Cadet Chapel where all deceased classmates were remembered along with the reading of 122 names of those who died since the 55th Reunion. Afterwards we had lunch with the Superintendent in the West Point Club where he made a very fine address and it was just as well received by the class, next we were enthralled by a Hell Cats performance. We then went on six separate tours of the various new facilities, cemetery, or back to the hotel. On Tuesday, we returned to West Point to participate in the Alumni March to Thayer Monument, and the Cadet Parade of the 1st and 2nd Regiments (note: there are only two times a year when all four Regiments participate together) with our class and others standing in review. The Alumni Luncheon was held in Washington Hall where the Class presented to the Supe our 60th Anniversary Gift of $360,000 that is to be used in the Academic Scholars Program for language and cultural immersion. There was a rousting cheer from the '46 area in the Mess Hall when the Supe accepting the over-large check from Jim Carbine and Cal Benedict. After lunch we alternated and went on tours we hadn't taken the day before.
There were activities every night back at the hotel with a Cocktail Party on Sunday, Barbecue on Monday, and Dinner/Dance (believe it or not the dance floor was filled most of the time) on Tuesday, the last night.
At the dinner dance special recognition was given to Sam France, Merl Hutto, George MacDonald and Mo Weber for their behind the scene efforts on our behalf.  On Monday morning, we held a Class Meeting where we elected a new slate of Officers for the next five years, discussed how the funds in the Class Gift Account would be handled and what the Class' gift giving approach for the 65th Reunion would be.
The breakdown of those attending are 188 grads, 158 wives, 11 widows and the rest family members.
Excitement and joy was evident throughout the whole time as memories were relived, old friendships were reunited, and a grand but subdued time was had by all.  It may be counted as one of the best reunions we have had - but then again we have a hard time remembering the others..