Saturday Wraps Up the Reunion

 Saturday begins with the annual Membership Meeting. The morning is taken up with reports, elections, suggestions and questions from the floor. Thanks to our parliamentarian, Bill Sterk, business is accomplished with great efficiency and little bloodshed.

A last-minute gathering of former
members of Show Band West.

Saturday afternoon is liberty time. Members are out on the beach, or resting, or continuing the party. Often, members join fellow alumni of Navy bands for a "reunion within the reunion."

Finally, the culmination of the week arrives: the Saturday night Dinner & Dance.

Often, the evening begins with a performance by an active-duty Navy band. To the band, it may be just another ceremonial gig, but to us, it's the highlight of the week, and we let them know it, the applause is deafening; an MU3 from Norfolk's Fleet Forces Band once said, "After it was over, I felt like a rock star!"

Veterans know how to behave during a
performance of the National Anthem.

Last night, the spotlight was on the concert band; tonight, our dance bands hold sway.

When the last note has been played, we clear the bandstand and tear down the gear. Some of us adjourn to the lounge for a last round of farewells.  

And then it's over. 

Taps. Lights out. All hands return to their racks
and maintain silence about the decks.
Now, Taps.