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Jul 19

Letters to the Editor, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Saturday July 19, 2003

WWII reunion here was memorable

In mid-June, my husband and I joined our 351st Bomb Group, World War II veterans, on our second-time visit to Chattanooga for our reunion.

It is easy to see why Chattanooga is a favorite place with our group. The people are so friendly, and Southern foods are lip-smacking good.

I believe over the course of our four-day stay we must have eaten our way from our hotel, The Choo-Choo, right down to the Riverbend.

You have a fantastic goodwill ambassador by the name of Judy who drives one of the electric trolleys. …

As a treat our destination was the Cricket Pavilion. … Two young Marines, serving as honor guards, awaited us at full attention as we proudly walked on the “red carpet” which the city had rolled out for us. ….

We discovered we were being treated to a delightful luncheon.

There was a wonderful band which I believe was Sweet Georgia Sound that played the big band music we had all grown up with and our young men had taken to the soil of foreign shores with them.

The music brought back memories and tears, as well, as we all said a silent prayer for all of our brave young men and women who now are far away from home. To the band, the honor guard, the people who served us lunch and most of all, to the lovely city of Chattanooga who gave up their Sunday Father’s Day to give us a welcome we’ll never forget.

WALT & DEE WHITAKER Douglas, Wyo