September 24, 2007
Subject: 55th Reunion - May 25 through May 28,
2008
To: Class of 1953
Our general plans for the 55th reunion are firm.
Now we need to know how many Classmates, spouses, widows and guests will be
attending, so that the committee can finalize the details behind each of the
activities noted in the enclosed questionnaire. When you return the
questionnaires, we will send the reunion details to those who intend to
participate.
The reunion will center around two locations: West Point
and the Woodcliff Lake Hilton (location of our last two reunions) just off the
Garden State Parkway near the New Jersey/New York border. The hotel is about 1
hour and 15 minutes by bus to West Point and only 35 minutes by auto via the
Palisades Parkway. (Buses cannot use the Palisades Parkway.)
We are
tentatively scheduling two reunion buses from the DC area: one will leave on
Saturday, May 24, 2008, to carry the advanced party and the other on Sunday,
May 25, 2008. At our Reunion's end, they will return both directly to the DC
area and by way of the O'Malley Memorial dedication at Scranton/Carbondale. We
commend to those living elsewhere the possibility of easing their trips by
coming into the Washington area and commuting to and from the Woodcliff with
these Class bus groups. Long-term auto parking will be available at the bus
boarding and return site. Those who wish to join the advanced party or to
travel by next-day's Reunion bus to the Woodcliff Lake Hilton, please so
indicate on the attached questionnaire. Guests are welcomed.
The 55th
Reunion Publication (outline attached) will be a soft cover book like the 45th
Reunion Book, and will contain photographs taken by Academy Photo as well as
candid pictures taken by attendees. If you attend, the book will be part of
your reunion package. If you cannot attend, you may want to order your copy
now. We are purchasing only 200 copies unless early demand exceeds our
estimates. The actions we ask on your part at this time are the following:
A. If you intend to come to the reunion,
1. Please complete the
questionnaire and mail it to me in the enclosed envelop as soon as possible,
but no later than December 1, 2007.
2. Make your hotel reservations now at
the Woodcliff Lake Hilton, the sooner the better, but no later than April 15,
2008. Call 201-391-3600. Ask for reservations and make sure to mention, "West
Point Class of 1953 Reunion" in order the get the negotiated single/double rate
of $147.00 per night per room. The Hilton is setting aside 160 rooms for us.
(Do not use the Hilton 1-800-… reservations number.)
3. If you plan to
attend the dedication of the Jerry O'Malley Memorial, please note this on the
questionnaire. You will receive more information on this event. The Memorial
Foundation has set aside rooms at the Scranton Radisson (the restored Scranton
railroad station) for those attending the dedication.
B. If you are
unable to attend the reunion, we would appreciate receiving a note from you in
the enclosed envelop so indicating by December 1, 2007. We know it is difficult
to commit to an event so far in advance. But, insofar as you can, we would
appreciate it if you will meet these dates. Our detailed planning for the
events, buses, tickets, etc., will be made much easier. Notwithstanding these
dates, we will accommodate you one way or another whenever you notify us. What
is most important is that you come! The Reunion Committee sincerely believes
that the enjoyment of our 55th will be directly proportional to the number of
Classmates, Wives, Widows, relatives, and guests attending.
If you have
any questions/suggestions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me, or
any member of the Reunion committee.
Sincerely,
Bud Tardiff