The Manchus were up early on Saturday for the Memorial Service at The Wall. The unseasonably cool but sunny weather was a welcome change from the heat and humidity that is typical of Washington in August. More than 100 people gathered as the names of the 367 casualties were read on the grassy hill next to The Wall. Thirteen volunteers read the names of the Manchu dead, then the color guard led a small contingent down to The Wall where a wreath was placed as a lone bagpiper piped Amazing Grace. Manchu Chaplain Danny Spencer offered a prayer, taps was sounded and then all joined in to sing Auld Lang Syne. Then, in small groups we made our way to The Wall for private contemplation at this very powerful monument. It was a fitting tribute to our friends and comrades who gave all they had to give in the service of their country.

 The afternoon was open time for those who decided not to take part in the optional Potomac River Cruise. For "the Boat People" a good time was had by all, if you can judge from the enthusiastic participation of John, call me "Mr. Rock and Roll," Senka. Paul Kekeuwa was not to be outdone as he led the line dance effort of the Manchus. Larry and Cheryl Ward joined the fray ably assisted by Hector and Margaret Colon.

Welcome and Opening Remarks
by Craig Greaves

Presentation of the Colors
"The Old Guard"

Prayer, Scripture, and Remarks
by Chaplain (LTC) Fred Robinson

A mercifully brief business meeting was held in the afternoon. We reported that since our last meeting the 4/9 Infantry Manchu (Vietnam) Association has gained status as a tax-exempt organization from the IRS. It was unanimously agreed to continue the tradition of annual reunions and directed the Association officers to make the necessary arrangements. The group voted to poll Manchus, via the Internet, on the time and place for the next one. Watch this web site and the egroups mailing list for details. It was further suggested that we explore the possibility of raising funds for the Association via some sort of Internet auctioning system. Webmaster Willy Dixson was appointed to head the committee looking into the idea. The group also voted to retain our existing slate of officers for the coming year so Secretary-Treasurer Cheri Criteser, Vice President Alen Fyfe, and President Larry James will serve another term. Ninth Infantry Association President Ken Toeppe and Secretary-Treasurer Dante Degni also addressed the group. They asked for the chance to explain a little about their larger Association in the hope that the 4/9 Manchus would consider joining. They also explained that at their recent annual reunion they voted to appoint 4/9 Manchu Ron Price to the post of 2nd Vice President - an indication, they say, of how important it is for new members to join them if their Association is to survive and carry on the traditions of this old and proud regiment.

After a brief stand down the Manchus were hard back at it with a cocktail reception ahead of the Saturday dinner. An overflow crowd filed into the Columbia Ballroom, held up only briefly as an additional table was set up to accommodate seven more Manchus than were expected. In the end 112 Manchus, families and friends were there - by far our biggest turnout. Before we tucked in to the Prime Rib a special presentation was made to Bob " Willy" Dixson for all he has done on behalf of the Manchus. If he had been honored for his work as webmaster alone, he would have been deserving of the recognition. We were also recognizing him for his tireless efforts and energy in bringing us all together and for his undying good humor.

Al Baker addressed the group and had us all, by turns, laughing and crying. His timing was superb as he concluded just as the salads were wheeled out of the kitchen. The Baker Address is fast becoming a tradition of the Manchu Reunion.

Chaplain Danny Spencer offered grace and we all paused to remember those who couldn not be with us.

At the end of the meal, the annual auction, in the capable hands of the indefatigable Larry Ward was held, raising welcome additions to the Association treasury.

With that the official functions of the reunion came to a close. There was a good turnout for the farewell breakfast on Sunday morning as we said our goodbyes with promises to meet again next year. We hope to see you all there as well.

Chaplain Robinson read Psalm 90, a psalm of Moses.

Almighty God, in gathering together to pay tribute to our fallen comrades in the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, we still wrestle with minds that are bewildered and hearts that grieve. These soldiers were called upon to pay the supreme sacrifice. Why it had to be them or why it had to be under these circumstances is known only to You. We rest those questions in Your hands of providential care and mercy.

We are eternally grateful for the hope of the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life. May that hope be a continual comfort to the families and friends who still grieve. Even now, after all these years, there is still anger, fear, despair, doubts, lonliness and hopelessness. Reliving the memories still brings renewed sadness and pain. Some hurts heal ever so slowly. Some broken hearts never seem to end.

Lord, You have promised to wipe away all tears from our eyes. You have promised to bind up our wounded spirits. You have promised to be with us always. Even now we claim these promises.

Remind us Lord, that soldiers who die in service to this great nation do not fade away. Rather we honor them, we remember them, and we continue to receive inspiration from them. May all who gather here today once again hear the call to nobler living and get on with the task of building a world of lasting justice and peace. May we all become instruments of justice and peace. As soldiers and members of a grateful nation, may we dedicate our lives to continued service as a tribute to our fallen comrades.

For those of us who yet live, we are forced now to reflect upon the uncertainty of life. We thus commit our lives to redeeming every waking moment, to bring peace and happiness to our homes and families, our nation, and our world. Help us all to be ministers of mercy, defenders of freedom, and ambassadors of righteousness so that these soldiers and others like them will have not died in vain. In your name we pray,
Amen.

At the conclusion of the prayer Chaplain Robinson commended the group on their accomplishments in honoring the memories of their fellow soldiers through their web site and their presence at the reunion. He encouraged them to give freedom to their emotions and to use this event to help heal wounds that still remain. He lastly encouraged them to find meaning in God and their relationship with God, because there is really no other way to find meaning in a world so filled with hatred, violence and war.

At the Viet Nam Memorial wall, Chaplain Robinson prayed the following. God, Almighty, we lay this wreath today as a memorial to our fallen comrades in the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, Manchus. May they rest in the satisfaction that they gave their all and made this world a better place to live. May they rest in peace because their work on earth is done. May we who remain honor their lives in the way we live our own.
Amen