Ron
Buninga's Presentation Speech to the USS Density Reunion in Branson,
Missouri, 18th September 2003 |
Post-Reunion
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From Ron, who was the last of us to leave the hotel.
It was kind of lonely out there in Branson when everybody had left that afternoon. I had the best time ever meeting all these friendly people. I enjoyed every hour and will be thinking back with happiness for a long time to come! I am so glad that I took the initiative to take that bell back. Actually, without the two of you and me surfing on the Internet to find out about Big L's site, you mentioning the Density Reunions etc., etc, this never would have happened!
Love, Ron.
From Tom:
Thanks for coming over to Branson and adding so much to the affair. Your presentations were excellent! I really had a wonderful evening yesterday, listening to "Wonderful Radio London", recorded straight off the air! Hearing those so-familiar PAMS jingles, T.W. and the various disc-jocks, brought back so many imbedded memories. I enjoyed disc #1 last evening, and will enjoy #2 tonight. Thank you so very much for your kindness.
Being with the Density shipmates also meant very much to me. To talk to them about specifics of the ship causes me to recall so many of the details of the ship. When I went below with a flash light in the "Manoula" at Merrill-Stevens yard up the Miami river to inspect her, she was listing port about 30 degrees. Much of the machinery, wiring etc. was inundated. Those crew members would have been sick to see their ship in such a condition. The effort expended in getting that ship barely seaworthy, and outfitted as a 50kw broadcasting station in non-stop nick time, would sound like fiction if the story could be told. I began the project at my petrified weight of 155lbs, and watched Kou Walter and the rag-tag crew sail the "Galaxy" out of Government-cut, Miami, at 140lbs! "Radio London" has been quite a ride.
I hope to see y'all again sometime before Nashville. Best regards, Tom
From Co-organiser Mary Simmons:
We had so much fun with you two and also with Ron. Can't imagine what the reunions would be like without you now.
Love, Mary and Lanny
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