This has been a wonderful, busy, rewarding reunion.
Our "on the road" reunions tend to be smaller than our Virginia Beach "homeport" get-togethers. But small does not mean "bad." To the contrary, a roadshow reunion attracts members who have difficulty traveling to the East Coast. To put it simply: You'd be surprised to learn how many MUs are from Kansas.
Everyone worked hard this week. Many of us played in both the dance band and the concert band. Chops were sometimes tired, but hearts worked overtime. Last night's Concert Band performance succeeded not only in entertaining the audience but in presenting a varied musical experience. Picture the American Legion March followed by Don Keller's smooth and soulful flugelhorn rendition of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most."
The reunion continues. In a few hours, we'll meet one last time for dinner, dancing, and, likely, a bit of speechifying. We don't have an active-duty band to play for us, but Ray Ascione has formed an NMA ceremonial band that will serenade us with a patriotic opener for the evening.
And tomorrow, we'll say goodbye. Many members have early flights home, and will say farewell tonight.
No, the reunion isn't over, but my postings now come to a close. I, too. must leave in the morning and won't have time to contact you. But I'll be home soon, unpacking and already reminiscing about the hard work, sea stories, and music that marked the 2025 NMA Reunion.
And when I'm settled in back home, I'll have time to post a more complete report.
Fair winds, friends from Kansas City. See you soon...
Frank
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