The 2011 Reunion is now over and what a wonderful reunion it was. Being in Harrisburg, PA put us close to so many different activities. We enjoyed two of them during our stay there. On Friday we spent the day touring the Gettysburg Battlefield and National Cemetery. We spent time up on Little Round Top where we could almost all of the battlefield. We were able to stop at the 7th Infantry Monument located near the Wheatfield where the 7th saw action on the second day of the battle. Then we spent time at the National Cemetery and got to stand where President Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. We also had a lovely lunch which included an Abe Lincoln impersonator who told us the story of how President Lincoln became President and how he ended up at Gettysburg to dedicate the cemetery.
View from Little Round Top, Gettysburg National Battlefield. On the left is
the Devil's Den and to the right is Cemetery Ridge. (Full size
photo is approx 25 MB)
On Saturday, after the General Membership Meeting, we went to Chocolate World in Hershey, PA. After a wonderful time there looking at how Hershey makes their milk chocolate we took a trolley tour of the area around Hershey. We learned all about Milton Hershey and how he came to live in Hershey and how he developed his Milk Chocolate. Along the way we also got to enjoy several pieces of Hershey chocolate.
The Regimental Dinner Saturday evening was another success. Our Guest Speaker was Chaplain (COL) Carter. Chaplain Carter gave a wonderful talk on leadership and how the Cottonbalers have influenced his ministry. Chaplain Carter served with 2-7 IN before and during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Here are some of the photos from the reunion
2012 - Columbus, GA/ Ft. Benning, GA
We will be going to Columbus GA and Ft. Benning in 2012. The new Infantry Museum is now open and everyone is raving about it. Keep checking the website for updates on dates, hotel information and scheduled events.
2013 - Savannah, GA?
We are starting to look at Savannah, GA for the 2013 Reunion. At least one and maybe both active duty battalions should be at Fort Stewart during that time. We have always enjoyed the time spent with the soldiers at Ft. Stewart. In addition, 2013 will be the 10th Anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2014 - New Orleans
2014 is the bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans. Since we are "New Orleans' Own" and the Cottonbalers! we will be heading back to the city of our "roots" per se for the bicentennial. We are also looking for people willing to either act as the local host or to help in the coordination before hand.
To view some photos of past reunions:
2011 Reunion in Harrisburg, PA
2010 Reunion in Brunswick, GA.
2007 Reunion in New Orleans, LA
2006 Reunion in Charleston, SC
2005 Reunion in Albuquerque, NM
Reunion questions should be addressed to: Leonard Collins Reunion Chairman