The 3rd Annual FreeRepublic
Rally and Tailgate Picnic Report
Fresno, California, September 10th and 11th, 2004
Click HERE for the September 10th rally thread.
JustAmy reports...."Everyone agreed that our September 11, 2004 Rally and Tailgate Picnic was a huge success. There were at least 50 in attendance.
FReepers and their families present were:
Jim Robinson, Sheila and Chris
John Robinson
Tami and Nicky
Mtngrl@vrwc
Notpoliticallycorewrecked
FriendAnn
Diamondhead and Carol
Saundra Duffy
Lager
Java Guy
Lavender
Tame
Tiffany and Sage
JustAmy, Leonard, Ron, Marissa and Michael
Enterprise
Patriciaruth and Randy
Jkphoto
Mama_Bear
DiverDave and Linda
Stuart Weil and Andy
Maccabee AJB and Felix
Awestruck, Nicolle and Emily
Syncro
Non-Freepers:
Linda and Doug
Karen, Don and two grandchildren
Shirley
Kim
If we missed anyone, please let us hear from you.
We had enough food and drinks to feed about 75 people. :) We did send out for more ice; the weather was nice but warm. This year we were in a picnic shelter called "The Gazebo", we are planning to ask for this area again next year. It was perfect except there were no restrooms close by. Can you say Porta-Potty for next year?
We had several children this year and they all had a ball!!! They enjoyed making new friends and running off excess energy. The rest of us ate, visited, ate, listened to music, ate, visited some more and ate again.
Saundra Duffy and Lager taught a few brave souls to dance the 10 step and to line dance. We all enjoyed watching them while listening to some good country music."
Saundra Duffy, Lager and Shirley kick up some dust.
A special thank you to Diver Dave
for leading us in singing the National Anthem,
and for his excellent reading of the narrative for the
"The Missing Man Ceremony"
In memory of America's POW/MIAs from all wars.
The Missing Man Ceremony is a dignified and solemn moment in many formal dinners and other occasions. There have been many different narratives written for the ceremony, but the symbolism is quite constant.
The Missing Man Ceremony usually follows the "Posting of the Colors" and the "National Anthem" in the order of the program.
Moderator: "As you entered the Mess this evening, you may have noticed a small table in the place of honor. It is set for one. Please let me explain. The military caste is filled with symbolism. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called P.O.W or M.I.A. We call them "BROTHERS". They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them because of their incarceration.
This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his aggressors. REMEMBER!!
The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. REMEMBER!!
REMEMBER, the single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting his return.
REMEMBER, the red ribbon tied so prominently to the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breast of those who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.
REMEMBER, a slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.
There is salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the families tears as they wait. REMEMBER!!
The glass is inverted--they cannot toast with us this night. REMEMBER!!
REMEMBER, the candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home, away from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.
REMEMBER--all of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you.
Let us pray to the Supreme Commander that all of our comrades will soon be back within our ranks. Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices. May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families."
Our thanks also to Patriciaruth
who offered grace
and Maccabee AJB, a student Rabbi,
who recited "The Mourner's Kaddish".
The English translation of The Mourner's Kaddish
Glorified and sanctified be God's great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.
May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity.
Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.
May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen. He who creates peace in His celestial heights; May He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
And, last but not least,
thank you to
FR's founder, Jim Robinson, for providing the tri-tip,
and
JustAmy for all she did to make this picnic happen,
and to
jkphoto for grilling the great tri-tip!
And finally, to notpoliticallycorewrecked for taking roll and to all who attended and contributed the great salads, soft drinks, ice and snacks to our 3rd Annual Rally and Tailgate Picnic, a huge 'thank you'! It wouldn't have been much of a picnic without you. To all who could not attend, we missed you. Remember, this is not just a local chapter get together, all FReepers in good standing and their families are warmly welcomed to join us, so mark your calendar for the 4th Annual FR Picnic next year, the second Saturday in September 2005. Same time, same place.
Those who have photos to share, please post them on this thread. I will be posting more pictures as I get them uploaded. (If you don't have a place to upload your photos, e-mail them to me and I will post them for you. FReepMail me (Mama_Bear) and I will give you my e-mail address.)
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