Copy of an email:
Hi all of my friends in the USA,
Thank you Carl, John amd Marion for keeping me informed about the latest plans concerning the 36th Reunion 2013.
First I must tell you that I wont be meeting up with you all this year as I have an invitation from the Canadian Legion Yukon District to meet them in July in British Columbia. This is based around the 70th anniversary of Operation Husky and with my connection on research of this I must take the opportunity to go.
My decision has nothing to do with a venue change for the 36th reunion. I would have loved to be at the Sheraton in Arlington ,VA with you all in August. It is just that I cannot make two trips across the pond this year and for obvious reasons the Canada trip is important to me.
The cost of a trip for me has increased as I am now 75 and that is the point at which travel insurance goes up for me by 100% ! Also I could never manage the cost of two trips close together now.
I hope you will all understand that I am saying this with a heavy heart, whatever happens in the future, the last three yearly trips to meet you in Lebanon have been the highlight of each year. The way you made me welcome and included me in everything has touched me very deeply and bought me so many new friends.
I will await with interest the outcome of this years 36th reunion as I fully intend to be with you in 2014, this has not been a 'goodbye' message in any way.
Finally I wish you all a great time, whenever and whereever you decide to meet.
My best regards to you all and those not mentioned her,
Colin.