Charlie Co., 1st Bn, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division held its reunion in Portland, Oregon, August 2004. Marines of Charlie Co. have been meeting since the first reunion in 1977. The original members of the company made the landing at Inchon in September 1950. Many of the unit's members are also combat veterans of World War II.
This series of photos starts with a stop at the Oregon Korean War Memorial on the outskirts of Portland, and continues through the arrival of attendees at the CP (hospitality room) on the first day, the traditional SOS breakfast the next morning, and departure for a sightseeing tour of the area after breakfast.
Next is a series of photos taken during the auction, a fund raising event where one does not dare to scratch, yawn, or even look at one of the strong arm aids to the auctioneer or before you can say "Semper Fi" you own something you didn't intend to buy.
On the third day there was a tour of the Columbia River Gorge, and a sternwheeler cruise on the river followed by a visit to the Bonneville Dam.
The photos of the last event takes place during the farewell dinner where there is evidence that these "old salts" clean up pretty well.
TO SEE ENLARGEMENTS, CLICK ON SLIDE SHOW TO SEE ALL IMAGES OR CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL THUMBNAILS TO SEE SINGLE ENLARGEMENTS.
Suggestions from any of the "Charlies" for photo captions are welcome. Several images are of marginal quality but included in order to provide maximum coverage of attendees.
I attempted to include everyone, but not being perfect I claim credit for all that turned out well, and make it clear that any shortcomings are entirely the fault of the reunion honcho, Al Baiocchi. I borrowed this "dump the blame" strategy from Al.
It was a great time, spent with special comrades who share a common bond. Semper Fidelis.
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