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Twenty-First (21st) Annual Reunion - Memphis, Tennessee
Thursday 1 October - Sunday 4 October 2009
The 21st Reunion of the USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD 729) Sailors Association convenes 1 October, 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee. You don't want to miss this reunion. It is more than a reunion, it's an event. Memphis is located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Founded in 1819 and named for the capital of Egypt, Memphis became the world's largest cotton trading center. King Cotton became the basis for Memphis economy. During the 1960's Memphis became the center for the civil rights movement. Today, Memphis is Tennessee's largest city.
Today, Memphis is known for Rhythm and Blues and Rock and Roll legends: WC Handy; BB King; Isaac Hayes; Earth, Wind & Fire; and of course, the King himself, Elvis Presley.
We will begin at the DoubleTree Hotel, downtown, 185 Union Ave. This 4 star hotel is located in the heart of downtown Memphis, just steps away from restaurants, clubs, shopping, and the world famous Beale Street. The upscale guest rooms feature data ports, complimentary wireless high-speed internet access, all the comforts of home. TGI Fridays is located within the hotel and serves breakfast lunch and dinner. For DoubleTree reservations: Direct 901-528-1800; 800-222-TREE or at www.memphisdoubletree.com. Be sure to ask for the USS Lyman K. Swenson Sailors Association group rates of $109.00 per night. These rates are good for 3 days before and 3 days after the reunion. Parking is $10 per day for our group - be sure to ask for our special rate or you may be charged the usual rate of $35 per day.
Getting there!! Northwest Airlines, one of the world's largest air lines, hubs in Memphis. Memphis International Airport is 15 minutes from downtown. Midsouth shuttle service((800-691-5956 or www.midsouth3.com) and TennCo Express Airport Shuttle (901-859-8377) provide local transportation from the airport to downtown for $10 to $15 per person. Yellow Cab and Checker Cab (901-577-7777 for both) quote $30 - $35 one way from airport per couple. Rental cars are available at the airport.
For you eager beavers who want to get to Memphis early. I have arranged a day of golf at the Tunica National Golf Course. The cost is $57.00, which includes the greens fees, golf cart, tax and round trip transportation. Tunica National has a fully stocked pro shop. The bus will leave the Double Tree at 0800, with tee times starting at 0900.
Thursday afternoon, from 1600 to 1700 the Board of Directors meeting will take place, location TBA.
"Are ya'll hungry?" Plan to arrive early Thursday, 1 October, and we will caravan down to Paula Deen's Buffet for dinner. This is approximately a 30-45 minute drive. Reservations are not required, but let one of the hosts know so that we can "hijack" several cars and drivers.
Friday morning from 0700 to 0830 we will have a continental breakfast, rounded off with the All Hands Meeting. At 0900 hours we will board busses for the city tour. This will include the Cotton Museum, Danny Thomas' St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Pavilion, etc. Additionally, we will see the world famous Peabody ducks, and the A. Schwab's general merchandise store, in business since 1876 still selling goods from the good old days. If they don't have it, you don't need it!!! Bt 1530 we will return to the DoubleTree. Friday evening will be free time for sea stories in the hospitality suite or a walk down Beale Street, dinner on your own.
Saturday will be a day fit for a king. Breakfast on your own, then at 0900 we will board the busses for a trip to Graceland, "where Elvis lives". Since the legendary home of Elvis Presley and his family is a national historic landmark, we can argue that a trip to Memphis that doesn't include a trip to Graceland is an act of treason against the state of Tennessee. Well, maybe just against the city of Memphis. Either way, the 14 acre home of the King is a must do for any visitor. We will take in the mansion, the hall of gold, "Sincerely Elvis" museum, vintage automobile collection and his air planes. That's right, there is more than one. Of course you will be able to visit the gift shops. After all, Jean must get her souvenir Christmas ornament.!!!!
After a light lunch, we will visit Sun Studio, where you can stand in the spot and "sing" into the same microphone that Elvis sang into. Here you can experience the real "Fab 4", Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, & Jerry Lee Lewis. Before returning to the DoubleTree, we will visit Lauderdale Courts, the first place the teenage Elvis, with his family, lived in Memphis.
Back at the DoubleTree, let's get some rest and get prepared for the banquet. At 1800 we will meet at The Beale Room for a reception with a cash bar. We will also, have our reunion picture made for the memory book. At 1900 we will enter the Beale Room for our banquet where we will enjoy a choice of Beale St. Steak or Blues City Chicken with all the trimmings. Our DJ will keep the music rolling as we remember the good ole days and dance to the music that we grew up with.
Sunday morning we will gather in the Beale room for our Tennessee Country Buffet Breakfast and Memorial Service. After breakfast, our Chaplain, Joe Richardson, will lead the Memorial Service as we remember those shipmates and their wives who have departed. After hugs and fond farewells, we once again depart, but with smiles and thoughts of meeting in Newark, California next year.
For you high rollers, (Jim Falstrom) we have arranged a trip to Harrah's Casino in Tunica, Mississippi on Sunday evening. The cost is $20.00 round trip for 4 hours of gaming.
There are so many things to see and do in Memphis. Here is just a small sampling:
We are planning a "casual" dress code for the entire Reunion. You should look like Elvis (with some exceptions) most of the time. Country - Western singers always look sharp.
How about the 50's - 60's for the Saturday Banquet? Not required; just suggested. And for the Memorial Breakfast, coat & tie not needed, but look sharp!
Are you in arrears on your annual dues? We ask only $20 per year for full membership. Our "comparison shopping" at reunion gatherings shows we are well below the Fleet average with rates of $25 and $30 being very common. Your reunion registration fee is partially offset by dues. So, in good conscience, you should (must) be current and paid up to sign up for each reunion. On the bright side, we have gotten about 175 paid dues for 2009 ... meaning most of you reading this are in good standing. But if you wish to cover your dues with your reunion registration, use the line provided on the form; set the record straight with the Treasurer and Secretary.