USS Holder Association's 18th Annual Reunion

12 October 1996 through 16 October 1996

The shipmates of the ships named USS Holder DE401, DD819, and DDE819 returned to Norfolk, Virginia for their 18th reunion, which was held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center at Virginia Beach.

Events of the 18th USS Holder Reunion

Saturday, 12 October 1996

Welcome Aboard! Hospitality room open.

1700 Holiday Inn Executive Center hosted a complimentary wine and cheese reception for Holder.

Sunday, 13 October 1996

Hospitality room was open

We departed the hotel and went in caravan by buses, cars, and vans to Nauticus pier to tour the USS Thomas S. Gates, CG-52. After a memorial wreath-laying ceremony and a complete tour of the ship, we continued to tour the MacArthur Memorial Musium, lunched at Watersides, and toured Norfolk Naval base.

1830 was cocktail hour followed by a tropical buffet. We also had a cake cutting ceremony since, this year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the USS Holder DD-819.

Monday, 14 October 1996

We had a mess tent breakfast.

1000 Buses left for a guided tour of Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown.

Some, who didn't take the tour, used the free time to go fishing, or golfing, or shopping, or searching for places they knew when Norfolk was home port for USS Holder.

Tuesday, 15 October 1996

This was an open day for people to do as they pleased.

1530 We held the annual business meeting.

1800 was cocktail hour in the ballroom, foolowed by the 50th annivrsary dinner. Live entertainment was provided by Hearts Desire and dancing followed with music provided by Hearts Desire's DJ.

Wednesday, 16 October 1996

Coffee and farewells and begin planning on next year.