Home | Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday Morning | Thursday Evening
DESA Convention Coverage
Monday October 14, 2002
Page 2
Wow, the crowd was tremendous at the Early Bird Gathering. The ballroom was packed for the Keynote Address.
President Kidd introduced keynote speaker John Huckle who delivered a humorous yet serious account of his service in the Royal Navy as it related to his involvement with US sailors. The audience expressed their enjoyment of his address with a rousing round of applause.
Kidd ended the gathering with the presentation of a huge bouquet of flowers to Dori Glasser in appreciation for her hard work and dedication to the convention. Loud applause from the membership signified "Well Done". Also, today was Dori's birthday and Dick Ager lead the audience in singing Happy Birthday.
The wine and cheese reception hall was filled to capacity. The decorations were unique and lovely.
There is so much more I want to say, but I am at a loss for words right now. I feel as if I am babbling. I cannot remember the names of people in the photos and cannot intelligently describe all the events of this evening. I have to tell you what happened tonight so you will understand my present "state of mind".
My first "shock" came when President Kidd presented me with a plaque in appreciation of my work as Webmaster. I was caught totally off guard and overwhelmed by his kindness. I was reduced to a giggling schoolgirl.
Then, I was in the reception hall and a gentleman walked up. I looked at this cap and burst into tears. He was my father's shipmate, Lester Kalch. What you do not realize is that I have never come face to face with anyone from USS Doyle C. Barnes DE 353. I corresponded with Mr. Kalch, via email, over a year ago. Never did I dream he would be here in Myrtle Beach. We found a corner and talked until almost midnight. I had so many questions and he answered them all and told me so many wonderful stories. And, he gave me a DE 353 cap! I cannot tell you what it means to me to have had this time with Mr. Kalch. I'm crying again as I type.
So, please forgive this incomplete page. I will try to pull myself together and do a better job tomorrow. For now, I am so happy and giggly, sitting here with my computer on my lap and my DE 353 cap on my head!
Good night.
