JUNE 6-12, 2000- POLEBROOK, ENGLAND.
  

		Our 351 St reunion at Polebrook, if put to a test;
		Would be recorded, as being spectacular at best.
		Dave Gower and Clint Hammond, arranged this treat
		That in our lifetime would be hard to beat.
		
		This reunion in England, really one of a kind,
		A memorial event etched deep in each mind.
		We gathered one morning, at our memorial site
		Under overcast skies, emitting rain, not much light.
		
		As the colors were posted and prayers said out loud,
		A wave of emotion swept throughout the crowd.
		General Burns laid a wreath, with ceremonial flair;
		The tears in his eyes showed how much he did care.
		
		At this point in time, we were asked to be still,
		We all stood in awe, wondering why this appeal.
		When off in the distance, we heard a loud noise in a cloud,
		It was the roar of engines that began to grow loud.
		
		Then out of the mist, emerged this beautiful sight,
		It was a flying fortress …a B-17 in flight.
		Memories of combat flooded down from the sky
		 And tears began to glisten in many an eye.
		
		Nothing, ever will match, that wonderful sound
		Of that B-17, flying over our memorial ground.
		Our group was overwhelmed , with an emotional high,
		 As we watched that B-17, disappear in the sky.
		
		The Red, White and Blue, balloons were released,
		A visible reminder of our comrades deceased,
		We then boarded our coaches and went on our way
		To the village of Oundle, for our lunch of the day.
		
		Arriving at Oundle, under the very grey skies,
		There we were meet, with an exciting surprise.
		A white circus-size tent, had been set up for us, 
		We knew we were in for a welcoming plus.
		
		The tent flaps were raised, exposing a view
		Of balloons, flags and streamers, all red, white and blue.
		The people of Oundle, and some young students too,
		Were all clapping, all smiling, and saying “Thank you”.
		
		
		As we partook of a dinner, truly one of a kind,
		Memories of war swirled through each one’s mind.
		We became fully aware, during this grand affair,
		That the people of Oundle they really did care.
		
		When the program was over, we gathered outside the tent
		And there we were treated, to another event.
		A plane performed acrobatics, above in grey skies
		And again in our stomachs, we felt butterflies.
		
		Although we thought this was the end of our treat,
		An amazing thing happened on that Oundle Street.
		Many elementary children waving flags did appear
		Chanting “Thank you, Thank you, For What you Did Here”.
		
		As we drove down the street in our loaded bus, 
		We saw people in each window, waving to us.
		Leaving Oundle behind, with all our thoughts reeling
		We headed for Peterborough, with deep grateful feeling.
		
		At our grand banquet, while being wined and dined,
		We just couldn’t get Oundle’s welcome out of our mind.
		The impact of this reunion was almost too much to bear,
		We fully realized now, the English people, for us they did care.
		
		We left dear old England, with hearts full of cheer
		And began making plans for San Diego next year.
		
		      
 
Top of Page