Washington DC Trip

[Madman]

SWMBO and I spent a long weekend in Washington, DC. Our primary purpose for the visit was to attend a reunion of MCB-7. MCB stands for Mobile Construction Battalion. As many of you may already be aware of, the Seabees were formed during World War Two. The military had private contractors doing construction work in combat areas. The Marines were responsible for their safety. However it became apparent that it would be advantageous to arm the construction workers. Since the Marines are part of the Navy, it was a no brainer to draft these men into the Navy, yet train them as Marines. The Seabees wear Navy uniforms for dress and Marine Greens for working, unlike other naval personnel who wear dungarees for working.

I served in Vietnam at Dong-Ha in 1968-1969. About as far north as you could get before crossing the DMZ. Our company, Delta company, was deployed from Dong-Ha to places like Qua-Viet, Amtrack ( large tracked vehicles that were amphibious) base at the ocean, Con-Tien gun base at the DMZ, Quang-Tri, and many other less known spots. All of our work was done in support of the Marines.

Our reunion included Seabees from as far back as Korea. My wife and I decided to take the train from Philly to DC instead of driving. Good decision. We also rode the Washington DC Metro to get around while there. Great system, and easy to learn.

On Sunday we visited Arlington National Cemetery. We had never been there. A very moving experience. While there we watched the changing of the guard. I must say that I am proud to be an American. I will post a video as soon as I figure out the method.

http://youtu.be/FOrC9PJxALo

 

[dunnyrail]

Is there still a great G Scale Model Shop in DC Station?
JonD

 

[tramcar trev]

Raises a glass to you cobber!
War Cemetaries are always more emotional than civvie ones, you feel like your among the ghosts of heros.
Did you know anyone at the reunion?
Would you ever go back to Vietnam?
Sorry, dont answer if its too personal.....

 

[Madman]

Is there still a great G Scale Model Shop in DC Station?
JonD

Not sure as we did not have much time to do anything but eat and catch the train home. Upon our arrival we had much the same situation without having to eat. I did get to see the main waiting room. It is undergoing some restoration. A large overhead scaffolding system is covering about half of the ceiling. One thing I don't care for is the amount of restaurants and shops in the main waiting room. At 30th Street Station in Philly, they did away with all of that about 25 years ago when Amtrak restored the main waiting room. Just too much going on at Union Station in DC for me.

 

[Madman]

Raises a glass to you cobber!
War Cemetaries are always more emotional than civvie ones, you feel like your among the ghosts of heros.
Did you know anyone at the reunion?
Would you ever go back to Vietnam?
Sorry, dont answer if its too personal.....

Thank you Trev. I did know quite a few guys at the reunion. I haven't seen them for 45 years, but I know most of them in an instant. As for going back to Vietnam, it could happen if at some point SWMBO and I finish our desire to see the rest of Europe. Yes, it would be on the radar in that case. I have good memories of my tour. Of course there were times when I could not get deep enough into a bunker, but I'm here to tell about it. I was with a bunch of good men back then and they haven't changed much.

 

[daveyb]

i think it must be quite humbling visiting places where old comrades lie,,, especially when 40plus years have passed and you reflect on your life and what others have not had

and if your ex forces you do have this bond with the other comrades which you served with,,,,, which only dies when you take the big white elevator upstairs,,