2011 Memorial Day Weekend
in Washington,. D. C.


Saturday, 28 May 2011
We placed flags on graves in some smaller cemeteries during the afternoon

Kent & Jean Molen, Pat Jones

Sunday, 29 May 2011
Morning at A/L Post 162

Samuel Ramseur, Post 162 Commander Chef de Chemin de Fer Hank KwiatkowskiNationale Presidente Pat JonesBill & Kathy Ahner -- Bill played "TAPS" here and twice at Arlington Cemetery later in the day. Kathy is Sous Presidente.Leo Beauchemin and Chef Hank shake hands at the Voiture 1569 Boxcar. The Voiture plans to make a War Museum in the Boxcar.

Sunday, 29 May 2011
Arlington Cemetery

Gathered in the Breakfast Room at the hotelGathered in the Breakfast Room at the hotelLoaded on the busTraffic was quite heavyMaking our way to the grave of Joseph BreenChef Hank is the first to arrive at the marker Barr, LaFleur, Kwiatkowski, Steil, Emley, Molen, Pat Jones, Carignan, Grethmann, Roland Jones, Beauchemin He was the first Chef de Chemin de Fer -- programs of La Societe are marked on the top of the stone. Chef Hank with four Sous Chefs -- Howard Procell is behind the stone--he filled in as Drapeau.Barr, Grethmann, Molen, Carignan, Chef Hank, Steil, Emley, Pat Jones, BeaucheminThe Air Force Memorial is in full view from the Breen Marker.All aboard!General Pershing's marker -- he is the only person to have been designated as General of the Armies of the United States, making him distinct among those who held five star rank.Pat Jones and Chef Hank are setting a floral arrangement at the marker in the previous photoThe ground was hard and the spike was short--a challenge to get the arrangement to set.Lt. Richard Pershing, son of General Pershing is buried at this same site.Col. John Pershing, son of General Pershing, is buried at the same site.Memorial Bridge -- Lincoln Memorial in backgroundRolling Thunder brought more than a quarter-million motorcycles to town for the Memorial Day services. We saw a large group of them parked at the Pentagon.

Sunday, 29 May 2011
Banquet

Joe Steil, Jean Molen, Kent Molen, Pat Jones, Roland JonesGoodies GaloreBill & Kathy AhnerRaymond & Lillian CapouchAllen "Sully" SullivanMike & Sandra WoodDr. Kenneth LaFleurPat LaFleur and Pat JonesDieter GrethmannDave Hill and MichelleLiz EnglertPat JonesSam RamsuerDick GeorgePOW/MIA Table -- The ritual was read by Chef de Chemin de Fer Hank Kwiatkowski and LaPresidente Pat JonesThe staff who prepared and served the dinner were recognized and thanked with certificates of appreciationHead Table -- Dick & Mrs George, Chef Hank, Pat & Roland Jones, Liz & Bill EnglertPresidente Pat JonesChef Hank and Sam RamsuerDick George presents a plaque honoring Chef Hank on behalf of the Memorial Day Committee du VirginiaCalvin Kain ceremony followed the dinner

Monday, 30 May 2011
Arlington Cemetery

We had motorcycle escort from the hotel to Arlington entranceKent rode Jean-propelled wheelsSome of the younger riders were not happySous Chef Deiter GrethmannDick GeorgePat and Roland are in the box seat at the AmphitheaterCarl BarrPat Jones and Chef HankPresident Obama is laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A lot of arms reached up with cameras--Ken LaFleur took this series of photos of the President.Inside the Amphitheater the crowd awaits the arrival of the President and his entourageChaplain Colonel Steven Berry opened the service with prayerAdmiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He will retire from that position soon. The president thanked him for his four decades of service to the nation.Staff Sergeant Sara Dell'Omo, USMC, sang "America the Beautiful"Secretary of Defense Robert Gates addressed the crowd. He is retiring soon.Ken LaFleur and Leo BeaucheminWreaths to be presented by 40 & 8 and LaFemmesAn Army Sergeant volunteered to take this photo of Carl Barr, Chef Hank, and Leo BeaucheminPat Jones and LaFemmesDick George thanked the Voyageurs and LaFemmes who came out to honor our fallen warriors. We owe him a big "Thank you" for the job he did as Chairman of the Memorial Day Committee.Ready to ride back to the hotel after a hot, but memorable day. This marks the official end of our weekend.
This page was last updated: June 18, 2011