MAY 7, 2021 – ANNOUNCING THE 50TH REUNION COLOR COMPANY COMPETITION
In the Spring of 2021, the 50th Reunion Campaign Committee will launch The 50th Reunion Color Company Competition to help boost the participation from all of our 36 Companies. No 50th reunion class has gone above 60% participation, but the Class of 1973 is NOT just any class. Our goal is to have 73% participation. The Company with the highest percentage of participants in our 50th Reunion Campaign will be declared The Class of 1973 50th Reunion Color Company. For more information, either go to the Class of ’73 Campaign page of this website: http://1973.usnaclasses.net/class-of-1973-campaign/
or, consult your Company Representative: 1973Company Representatives | (usnaclasses.net)
EARLY PLANNING (TRADITIONAL REUNION ACTIVITIES) – MAY 2020
Our 50th Reunion is in the early planning stages. Here is the text of an e-mail that was distributed by Doug Rice, our Reunion Coordinator, on May 1, 2020:
Classmates,
It is time to start concrete planning for our 50th reunion in 2023. Attached is a survey that we would like everyone to take so that we can determine preferences for events and venues. We have two options for football weekends. Homecoming is Oct. 7, but we don’t know the opponent. The Air Force game is Oct. 21. The advantage of homecoming is that we, as the 50th reunion class, have priority regarding venues, but right now everything but the N* room is available for the Air Force game. Based on the Alumni Association experience, we will have too many people for the 50th to fit in the N* room for the tailgate, so we will most likely have to use the area near the ’53 pavilion for our tailgate.
Please fill out the survey if you are thinking about attending the 50th reunion. The committee will take the results and plan accordingly.
Thanks in advance for your participation.
(See e-mail for Survey Monkey link)
Thanks,
Doug
SPECIAL EVENT – RECOGNITION BIKE RIDE – UPDATED 8 JAN 2022
The Class of 1973 50th Reunion Recognition Ride
Background
The Class of 1973 Recognition Ride is a cross country bike ride organized to symbolically gather deceased classmates back to Annapolis for our 50th reunion in 2023.
Ride Format
The ride will be a thru-ride. This format translates to a core team advancing as a group and riding the full 3,200 mile route. Accommodations will vary between camping and motels.
Segment rides organized by classmates, family and friends who want to share a few hours or days along the route are welcomed. Contact me if you’d like more information on how segment rides can coordinate with the overall ride.
Route
The current route is from Astoria, OR to Annapolis, MD. A few of the connecting communities include Portland, OR; Boise, ID; Jackson Hole, WY; Casper, WY; Norfolk, NE; Des Moines, IA; Davenport, IA; South Bend, IN; Toledo, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Cumberland, MD; and Washington D.C. (There may be some adjustments to the route between Davenport, IA and Pittsburgh, PA once more is learned about specific route options.)
The total mileage is 3,198 miles, which includes 91,504 feet of elevation gain. The trip will take 68 days — 59 riding days, 4 rest days, and 5 contingency days. The route includes 986 miles of cycleway or off-road trail suitable for touring bikes. Turn by turn, written directions and voice supported navigational software will be available for riders and those providing support.
Recognition Ride Dates
The ride will begin on 7/29/23 at Navy Heights in Astoria, OR and conclude in Annapolis on Wednesday, 10/4/23 … just ahead of planned 50th Reunion activities.
A Little More About the Ride
The primary purpose of this bike ride is to honor our fallen classmates by symbolically gathering each to Annapolis for our 50th reunion. Each riding day during the 68 day crossing will be dedicated to one or two of our deceased classmates. A social media portal will post anticipated dates dedicated to individual classmates as well as a means for classmates, family, and friends to share personal tributes, photos, and memories.
It is hoped that all in our class, along with families and friends of fallen classmates, and other alums will participate in the Recognition Ride, either vicariously through the Recognition Ride portal, by riding with the team for a few miles or by providing support along the way. Our deceased classmates remain links in our chain, and this is one opportunity to honor their contributions to country, family, and the lives and legacies of those in the Class of 1973.
There is still room on the Thru-Ride team for any member of ’73 who would like to join us. Contact me if you’d like more information.
Non Sibi,
Doug
Doug Leland
doug@DougLeland.com
207-522-7620