How many of our TRAVEL55PLUS.COM readers can remember seeing a reunion of living Civil War veterans. I was part of a high school cadet corps in 1941 that marched in a Philly parade honoring survivors of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic). More than 76 years after the War Between the States had ended, some 20 very old guys in faded Union uniforms marched with us or rode in open cars. Their ages ranged from 90 to 105. Military reunions have always been important events to veterans, as men and women returned from all the wars wanted to meet together their old buddies annually to relive old times.

The biggest reunions happened in the decades after World War II, when more than 10 million men and women served. The ranks from that war are getting thinner every year, but the reunions continue. And, true to tradition and abiding sense of comradeship, annual meetings this year will proceed for both old and young veterans.    

We’ve listed just a very few examples of 2009 reunions. For more information, check out the many military reunion info websites or get in touch with veterans’ groups of your unit, base, ship or squadron.

March 12–14: Army 278th Regimental Combat Team, Korea (1947–1955) in Pigeon Forge, TN. Contact: Billy B. Stewart, 1212 Morgan St., Athens TN 37303, 423–745–9394, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

March 14–20: Marine VMFA–333 (fighter squadron crews from WWII to present) in Waikiki, HI. Contact: Connie Gause, 10614 Belmont Blvd., Lorton VA 22079, 202–306–0848, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , vmfa-333.org All Shamrocks and families are welcome.

April 18:  Navy Submarine USS Plunger SSN–595 in Las Vegas NV Contact: Arne Gonser (A-gang), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

April 19–22: Navy Destroyer USS John A Bole DD–755 in Seattle WA Contact: Mike Springer, 1604 East 12th Street, Merrill, WI 54452, 715–536–1526, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 3–7: Army Counter Intelligence Corps Veterans, Inc. (ACICV) in Reno, NV. Contact: Richard Snyder, 2017 EL Rancho Dr, Sun City Center FL 33573, 813–634–4489, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

May 31–Jun 5: 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment (Vietnam 1968) in Oklahoma City OK. Contact: Blas Preciado, 2326 NW 35th St, Oklahoma City OK 73112, 405–618–6706, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , three27.com

June 3–7: Army 1st Cavalry Division Association (all who served) in Killeen/Fort Hood, TX. Contact: Dennis Webster, 302 N. Main St, Copperas Cove, TX 76522–1703, 254–547–6537, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 1cda.org

October 6–11: Battle of the Bulge Army Veterans in Tucson AZ. Contact: Ralph W. Bozorth, 608 Treaty Road, Plymouth Meeting PA 19462, 610–825–9409, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , battleofthebulge.org