This was the 69th WWII Lost Battalion Reunion, the first one was held in 1945.  Of those who are still alive, only 6 were able to make this trip.  After our mission brief, the riders each took a flag and made their way into the hotel.  We lined the corridor from the lobby to the conference room with flags, allowing the guests of honor, their families and guests to walk in a sea of red, white and blue (and leather!).  After all were seated, the riders then entered, lining the perimeter of the room for the short, 45 minute ceremony.  After the guest speaker finished, the names of those who passed since the last reunion were read, and a small flag for each one was placed in a centerpiece by one of the survivors from the USS Houston.  The names of the wives who passed since the last reunion were then read, with a red rose for each one placed near the centerpiece by one of the widows.  After the ceremony everyone went upstairs for lunch and visiting.