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Sunday Evening (Click to show/hide comments)
It began on Sunday night, as scores of World War II veterans and their traveling assistants converged on the
Best Western hotel in South Beloit, IL. The atmosphere was different from many conventions and similar
gatherings I've been to: usually, there's someone complaining (loudly!!!) about something that wasn't to their
expectation. This evening, instead, were quiet conversations, hearty greetings, polite interactions,
happy smiles. There is a sense of excitement about the trip that will dawn with the morning... literally,
in this case, as we will head out at 5 AM! A brief trip through the registration line to collect shirts,
jackets, nametags, and the arm bands that will identify us as part of the trip, and we're ready for the evening.
Time for Dad to return home to Machesney Park to head for bed, and for me to upload a few photos and tweak the gear.
Each time I try to plan to document the world in the field like this, I forget how heavy what I'd like to
take will be, if I'm carrying it around on my body for 15 hours. A few simplifications, a replacement or
two of the "mandatory" stuff I think I need, and I can add my clothing back into my bag. My Diet Pepsi
has worn off as I realize it's 1:35 AM, so it's time to hit the sack for a couple hours of extended power nap.
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