29 September 2001
Subject: Family Reunion
Dear Ones,
Well, it's Saturday and time to take another marble out of the jar.
On Monday, Leavon and I head out on a trip to attend a "family" reunion in Williamsburg, VA. The folks attending this reunion all served together in the same military unit in Germany in the mid 60's during the height of the Cold War. You will notice that I said "family" reunion. That's because that's what we were then and that's what we remain today.... a close-knit family.
We came together in the mid 60's in a far away land serving our country in the defense of freedom. We suffered through the times... good and bad. It didn't matter where were from, what our backgrounds were, what the color of our skin was..... we were all one. We were a military family. Yes, "We Were Soldiers Once.... And Young".
We gather together nowadays to reminisce about times past... to tell stories, to laugh, to cry, to remember those from our ranks who have gone on before us, and to catch up on family matters since we were last together.
What we hope is conveyed to all those attending our gathering is this; "Your joy, your pain, your loss, your gain -- are ours... for you are one of us. We are in this together. We are one." That is the powerful message of family.
In these most difficult days in the aftermath of the recent tragic world events, I pray that each of us will become more caring and sharing, more concerned and compassionate, more thoughtful and tolerate, and more loving towards each and every member of our greater world family.... the family of God.
Have a great weekend and may all your Saturdays be special.
Don
That's What Friends Are For