Reunion 2002 was held in October of 2002. The venue, The Pechanga Resort/Casino was fantastic and comparable in everyway to a Vegas property. Beautiful rooms and grounds and great dining as well. The casino offered various gaming opportunities and JoAnn and I actually came out ahead.
Friday was the day of arrival for most attending with an informal gathering at the rooftop pool which offered a full service bar and appetizers. The special ordered Reunion Golf shirts and caps were handed out and everyone had a great time reconnecting with friends from the past as well as making some new ones. The remainder of the evening was spent visiting with friends in the various restaurants, bars and casino.
Saturday was a full schedule. In the morning, we all met in the parking lot and drove to Lake Elsinore, where Diane Conklin graciously opened the Main building and school grounds for us to tour. We first gathered in front of the main building where Grant Sargent gave a dedicatory prayer. There were several inspiring speeches by Mel Meineke, George Keely and Wayne Burcham. Their recollections and observations brought more than a few tears to the eyes of many of we former Cadets. The "Young Marines" organization did a fine job of presenting the Colors during the ceremony. And under Mel Meineke' guidance, Boy Scout Troop 444 of Menifee Calif. did a great job of cleaning up the building and property prior to our arrival.
It was indeed a bit of deja vu seeing the old haunts we all called home so many years ago. Strolling the building and grounds, you could hear Cadets whispering reverantly to their wifes and friends, recalling their quarters and memories. Although all areas of the building were not available for us to see, it was still a wonderful experience just being there, reflecting on times past. Ms. Rose Wetrz was on hand downstairs in the memoribilia rooms helping visitors.
On leaving the school grounds, some caravanned in search of Col. Stimus final resting place while others drove back to the Elsinore Historical Society to inspect ENMS memoribilia that they set up for the Reunion.
The evening was a festive affair with a wonderful dinner and speeches and presentations followed by a Power-Point show. It was extremely interesting hearing from our "forefathers" they being those that attended ENMS in the 1930s. It gave everyone great insight into the schools early years. The rest of the evening was spent visiting and recollecting in the lounges and friends rooms. The previous 36 hours or so had been busy indeed yet no one was anxious yet to call it a day.
And then came Sunday morning, with a great breakfast brunch, some more visiting, and then it was over. For myself, it had been 35 years since I'd last seen some of my old friends and the school I'd called home, and for others even longer. It was an emotional time, remembering the good times as well as the bad. Seeing the faces I'd remembered from my distant past although some faces (such as my own) had changed dramatically. I want to thank those that were so instrumental in putting together the Reunion through extraordinary efforts of so many. I can't hope to list every name, but we former Cadets know the names and faces of those that gave so selflessly of themselves to make this once in a lifetime event become a reality.
As I work today on our website, I have right here our 2002 Reunion Annual, so skillfully assembled by Wayne Burcham and his valiant helpers. It's a testament to us all. Those attending covered the years from 1933, when the school was founded to as late as 1971, just six years before it's demise. 80 to 100 people sharing a common thread from their early lives, rekindling friendships and making new ones. All because of the vision of a man named Glenn Conklin and his wife Pearl.
Saying our goodbyes, with promises of staying in touch with just maybe another Reunion up the road, JoAnn and I walked slowly to our car. Looking back, I could see the "Golf Group" discussing their Tee time, others hugging and shaking hands, ready to head home. With a tear in my eyes, I unlocked the car and reflected on a wonderful yet emotional weekend. After 35 plus years, we all came together for a brief 48 hours or so and accomplished so much. About 20 miles ouside Barstow, the cel phone rings, "Hey, this is Rick. (Scalzo) Come golfing with us" Well, I don't golf but at that time, wish that I did. Although we were 100 mailes towards home, I pulled off the freeway and stopped. Wondering. Hopping on the freeway towards home I told JoAnn, "I wish I knew how to golf, I would have gone back" Thank you all for another bright spot in my life, October, 2002.
