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2004
USSVI The Pictures Well, if you missed this submarine convention, you missed truly a historic event. The "USSVI Albany-Saratoga Base" did an outstand job setting up and coordinating this event. It was absolutely incredable. Everything, including the weather, came off without a hitch. The people of Saratoga Springs welcomed all of us with open arms. The town is totally pro-military. Having a citizen come up to one of us and thanking us for our service to our country was the rule rather than the exception. The headlines everyday in the local newspaper had something to do with the convention, submarine sailor stories or some aspect of the silent service. The whole town got into the spirit. The rest of us got into the spirit too. Just in a different way, if you know what I mean! The town itself is beautiful. Millions of flowers graced every home and business. Thousands of American flags lined every street, flag and light poles. Saratoga Springs already rich in history, added another notch to their belt. This was the first time in history that submarine veterans were honored with a parade, just for them! And this wasn't a little parade either. It had to be 1-2 miles long. Marching bands, floats, antique cars, honor guards ... I mean this was enough to bring a tear to your eye. They have a horse race track in town where they do "flat track" racing and harness horse racing. They also have a casino with a couple thousand slot machines. No other gaming was there. But, when Doc and I arrived the first time, the guard at the door greeted us and thanked us for serving and coming to their town for the convention. Saratoga Spings has some real estate that would make your eyes pop out. As the parade was forming, they did it in a residental area that was populated with these gigantic homes. I just can't properly describe them accept for the fact that they must have all cost 5 million dollars. I was blow away by their beauty and construction. As usual, having the opportunity to swap sea stories with our fellow shipmates really topped thing off. It seems like evertime we get together, a few more of you attend. I cannot over emphasize, if you haven't attended a reunion or convention, you're really missing out. So, enjoy the pictures. They just don't do justice to the event. Although most of the pictures that you'll see, was taken by me (when I was a little bit sober), I have more filtering in from our shipmates and I'll post them as well very soon. So, check back often to see what's been updated. Bob Prater |