Everyone seemed to have a great time in “The Big Easy.” We had 178 registered guests this year! (that’s more than last year by approximately 75 people!). We were very glad to see 65 Veterans, among which were three Army Nurses who were able to join us this year – as well as our old friends, Nancy and Bill Monson who came to help (they miss seeing the Veterans they met during Nancy’s tenure as Secretary of National VBOB.)

Some people arrived on Tuesday, Sept 25. A group of 28 of them went out to dinner at a nearby restaurant that evening. We all met in the lobby and walked to Domenico’s about a block away. The food was very good!

We began Wednesday, Sept. 26 with a continental breakfast and then a Horse and Buggy Ride through the French Quarter. The Horse and Buggy company decorated the carriages with red white and blue bows and the carriages stayed together (like a parade). With the bows and some of the Veterans wearing their caps, it made some of the pedestrians take notice and some stopped and took pictures. We returned to the hotel and took a bus tour of New Orleans and that was very interesting. Included in our tour was a cemetery (in New Orleans, people are buried above ground). We heard of the custom of visiting the cemeteries on All Saint’s Day (November 1). We drove by many significant places in New Orleans. After the bus tour, we returned to the hotel and some people visited in the hospitality room while others went on a Horse and Buggy Tour (some had missed the morning tour because of their flight arrivals). In total, about 50 people enjoyed the Horse and Buggy Tours. It was quite fun.  That evening, we had a wine and cheese reception in the Ballroom at the hotel. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the food – so much so that we ran out of food and had to supplement with additional pizzas and sandwiches!

We started Thursday, Sept 27 with a wonderful breakfast (including buttered grits). We had a leisurely morning and then we left on the bus to visit the Mardi Gras Museum. Our visit began with a lunch of Shrimp Creole and Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya (unique to New Orleans). Prior to our tour, we were able to try on Mardi Gras costumes and have our pictures taken. During the tour, we learned how the floats for the Mardi Gras Parades are made (and re-cycled) each year. The characters they create for the floats were huge! After the tour, we returned to the hotel and had delicious dinner and attended a presentation by Kevin Secor who spoke about Veterans Affairs. The audience was able to ask questions of Kevin. After the presentation, many people stayed and visited. Some people made new friends.

Friday, Sept 28 began with another amazing breakfast and then we attended a presentation by Professor Andrew G. Jameson entitled “The Battle of the Bulge”. He explained the reasons behind it, why it failed, and why it was called “the Bulge”. He presented both the German and the American positions in the battle. We were able to follow what he explained on large maps of the Bulge. A handout of his presentation was provided (and these are available if you were not able to attend). Following his presentation, we had lunch which included more New Orleans’ favorites – seafood gumbo soup and mini muffalettas. During Lunch, James Triesler presented “It Took A War” which is a project that he and his students have worked on for 10 years. His students learn more about the war and the bravery of those who fought in the war as a result of this project. After lunch, some of us went to Cafe Du Monde for beignets and chicory coffee (or hot chocolate). At 2:30 PM, we boarded the Natchez Cruise Steamboat and had a very enjoyable cruise. Unfortunately, it began to rain before we boarded so some of us got pretty wet. After returning back to the hotel, we went to the WW II Museum to see a USO show. This particular night, they had a big band that was excellent. Their music brought back many fond memories to some. Many of us danced to the music. Some enjoyed a dinner with the show and some of us dined in the Cafe. We returned to the hotel after a very full day.

Saturday, Sept 29 began with another sumptuous breakfast, followed by the Membership Meeting. Then we had lunch that included 2 kinds of soup as well as crab cakes. We left for the WW II Museum and really enjoyed seeing the exhibits on D-Day, the Home Front and the Pacific and we saw the Higgins Boat in the main entrance area. We concluded our visit with a movie called “Beyond All Boundaries” (narrated by Tom Hanks) and we held on to our seats when the movie got “realistic.” Following our visit to the Museum, we returned to the hotel to enjoy a banquet of artichoke stuffed chicken breast or marinated flank steak. The table decorations were beautiful – thanks to William Heroman, one of our members who lives in nearby Baton Rouge, LA. He integrated a little teddy bear dressed in a red, white and blue sweater in the arrangement. They really made the banquet room tables look gorgeous!

Our distinguished speakers at the Banquet included our President, David Bailey, Lucien Leys (a representative from the Belgian Embassy) and Mario Weisen (Consul, Luxembourg Embassy).

Many of us returned home the next morning (Sunday, Sept. 29). A few people stayed over to see some of the sights of New Orleans. We look forward to seeing everyone in Kansas City, in the fall of 2013 for our 32nd Reunion of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge!

Many thanks to the caterer who provided 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners – all with a variety of foods at a affordable price. She made it possible for us to sample some of the New Orleans cuisine. Then, the people from the Horse and Buggy company who were so nice to everyone. Then the people at the Mardi Gras Museum, the Natchez Cruise Steamboat, and the World War II Museum. Most of all, the hotel staff was wonderful. They said we were one of the best groups they had all year! They helped in so many ways! Our thanks to our presenters, Kevin Secor, Professor Jameson and James Triesler as well as Alan Cunningham (who presented at the Business Meeting). Overall, it was a fabulous reunion that was action packed. We couldn’t stop the rain, but we still managed to have a wonderful time.

Prepared by Doris Davis, Associate member and reunion co-chair