Memorial Day Weekend, 2006

All Screaming Eagles and their friends are invited to participate in the Association’s annual Memorial tribute to our fallen Eagles who have given their lives in defense of our nation’s freedom. The Memorial Day weekend is 26-29 May 2006.

This year the headquarters hotel will be the Hyatt Arlington located in Rosslyn, at 1325 Wilson Blvd, near the Key Bridge, for reservations please call: (703)525-1234, or 1-800-233-1234. A block of rooms has been reserved at a rate of $109. When making reservations specify the Hyatt Arlington and 101st Airborne Reunion to access this group rate.

On Sunday, 28 May at 1100, a formal ceremony will be conducted at the 101st Airborne Division Memorial at Arlington Cemetery. Units and individuals desiring to place wreaths should contact Bob Ponzo, of the local chapter, telephone (703) 527-3084; checks should be mailed to Bob at 4141 N. Henderson Road, #1007, Arlington, VA 22203-2452. Following the ceremony, a luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Arlington. Attendees at these functions will need to plan to self-deploy to Arlington and then to the hotel. If you plan to attend the luncheon, please contact Bob Ponzo at the number listed above. It is essential that we obtain an accurate headcount for seating and meal planning. Cost of the Sunday luncheon will be $45 per person. Persons planning on attending the luncheon are encouraged to pre-pay by sending Bob a check, although persons may sign-up at the door, payable by either cash or check. A meal ticket will be issued at that time. For those who have pre-paid, a meal ticket will be provided at the luncheon, where all participants will be required to have a meal ticket. The hospitality suite will be open following the luncheon.

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NEW! NEW! NEW!………PLEASE NOTE!!!!

National Memorial Day Parade

A parade is scheduled for Washington, DC on Monday, 29 May to salute veterans from all our nation’s wars, and also as the first tribute for the returning troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. The event will begin at noon (which means participants will need to be in place before noon), along a parade route on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets. LTG H.W.O. Kinnard, noted Screaming Eagle from WW II, has been designated as Grand Marshall.

The Chapter has been given responsibility for organizing 101st Airborne Division participation. Our intention is to form a 101st Airborne march unit comprised of veterans from all eras. Veterans are encouraged to wear uniforms and/or distinctive shirts and hats representing their units. Participants are reminded of the potential weather conditions and cautioned to dress appropriately. (white 101 polo shirts and white/black 101 ball caps are the uniform of choice) We want to insure whoever participates will consider the proud history of our Division and make sure we reflect credit on it. We will also make efforts to arrange transportation in the parade for those unable to march. Priority will be given to WW II veterans and current patients from WRAMC. All marchers will need to make their own arrangements to get to and from the parade (probably Metro), parking in Washington will be at a premium.

This is a new development, and much planning needs to be done. We will be calling chapter members to determine weekend participation and will subsequently provide additional information on assembly information, coordinating instructions and post-parade activities to those indicating their participation.

This will be a inaugural event and we hope you will be able to join with us to make sure the Eagle is Standing Tall at the National Memorial Day Parade!

Dennis Husereau
President
National Capital Area Chapter
101st Airborne Division Association