Nice letter, Carl. I hope everyone comes together for this. I recall that the rooms in Lebanon in 2011 were not that nice, and I can only assume they haven't gotten a lot better since that time. I think it would be great to not only see your old mates with whom you have met with for so long, but also people that shared your experiences but you might not have known before. (It might be a time to hear some new stories, to boot!) I understand the difficulty of change - I don't care for it much myself. And as I am only 40 I can't imagine having to change something one has done for 65+ years. I think sometimes, however, things change because they must. The car ride to Lebanon from the nearest airport might just not be doable for some now, and I think that to be one of the most important points. I hope emotions soften and all who can make do, because as Carl mentioned, there may not be many opportunities for travel left.
I truly wish I could be there. The opportunity to make it in 2011 is a treasured memory. It was akin to being able to have that WWII discussion with my grandfather that I never really had. Like most vets, he never really brought it up and we were told not to ask. I did finally ask in 1999. It was after I had gotten married and had flown to see my grandparents (they had not been able to make the wedding). Unfortunately, I didn't get to talk near as much as I would have liked. Being with John, Carl, and crew really gave me a sense of what that longer conversation would have been like, so it was truly special. As of right now, I cruise off the coast of Thailand in the USS Bohnhomme Richard and will be doing something similar in August. Duty calls and I know they understand that better than anyone. I just wish I didn't have to miss it.
1945
1999