Platte News

MAY 22, 2003

U.S.S. Platte Bell Found and Presented to People of Platte County, Missouri

The Platte Association committee was recently invited back to Platte City, Missouri for a dedication ceremony of the bell from the U.S.S. Platte AO-24. The office of U.S. House Representative Sam Graves located the bell in a storage facility in Washington D.C. Congressman Graves arranged to put it on permanent loan to the people of the city and county for presentation in the lobby of the county courthouse in Platte City.

The U.S.S. Platte Association was presented with a House document in honor of the crew of the Platte, in commemoration of their service, and in recognition of the ships long history of defense of the United States. The document has been read into the House Record and is now a permanent part of that history.

The Platte bell was then undraped and with two large montages of Platte photos and memorabilia was officially presented to the people of the area. The ceremony was closed with the playing of Anchor's Away! by the Platte County R-3 High School Band. There wasn't a dry eye in the house and it still makes me feel like marching. Association members in attendance were Lynn Todd, founder and President Emeritus, Charles Hyer, Treasurer, Wayman Carter, association member, Woody Rixey, former Treasurer, and Mike Brown, Chairman. Also in attendance were Sharon Todd , Mary Joe Rixey and Wayman's daughter Sandra Fry. Cheryl Thorp and Carol Rudi who represent the Platte County Convention and Visitors Bureau were in attendance and it is my belief that they were the driving force in finding the bell and making all this happen. Our hats are off to them for their good work and for the way in which they have embraced the Platte history and the former crewmen of Platte. It is obvious that the entire city is proud of the relationship formed by the reunion held there last year. We have been invited back for future reunions at any time.

So for those members who didn't get enough of good Kansas City barbeque or who really want to experience more of Missouri's fine hospitality just keep in mind, we will always be welcome back to Platte City, Missouri. If you are in the area, feel free to step into the Platte County Courthouse and see the bell and it's history right in the front lobby. Be sure to wear your Platte hat.

photo by Mike Brown

Platte Reunion 2004 Las Vegas, Nevada

Was a great success! More news of this successful and fun trip is coming soon!

Platte Reunion 2002 Platte City, Missouri

Platte City, Missouri, who ever heard of it. About 100 former U.S.S. Platte crewmembers and their families are certainly familiar with the town and the surrounding area after visiting there to attend the first reunion of the U.S.S. Platte Association. At least 2 wives of former crewmen, now deceased, were also in attendance. Their desire to meet with us was received with the utmost appreciation by the Association and we were glad they could visit with friends from the past.

In the middle of May, the West Central part of Missouri can either be pleasant and warm or humid and hot. This year we got lucky. After several huge storms and local area flooding, the weather cooperated and let us see some sights and enjoy some great Midwestern temperatures. The reunion was planned over the past year by Lynn Todd, Roger Stevens, Woody Rixey and Mike Brown. Woody and Mike are very familiar with the area and selected the sights to see and the place for the dinner. Lynn and Roger set up the reunion center with decorations and a hospitality desk to welcome the incoming crewmembers and their guests.

The Comfort Inn became our central visiting site and the stories started right away when the first 2 old salts got together there. People came from all over the U.S. to meet old acquaintances and make new friends. A fellow came from as far as New South Wales, Australia and another came from as close as Oak Grove, Missouri. The country was well represented by folks from almost every state in the union. We didn't expect quite the turnout that we got. As a matter of fact we contracted with a local hotel for only 40 rooms and they sold out pretty quickly. There was some overflow and a local bus service was brought in to act as a shuttle to move people to the events.

Tour buses were available to visit such local sights as Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri and one of Kansas City's premier attractions, the Steam Boat Arabia Museum. Over 100 reunion guests made the trips and no one was disappointed. Lunches were enjoyed by all at area Casinos and an evening meal was provided at a country resort near Platte City. It was thought that newcomers to this region might enjoy some Kansas City Barbeque and the finest restaurant in the area was hired to cater the function. It was a good decision. One lady from Texas told us she had never had such good Barbeque. For a Texan to admit that is saying something. Evening entertainment was discussed prior to the reunion and we decided the folks probably would rather talk and catch up on old times than have to sit and listen to a band. Good decision, I doubt if a band could have been heard anyway. I never heard such a commotion as what went on the evening of the big dinner. And sea stories, you should have been there. The local Navy Reserve sent the United States Naval Sea Cadets to perform a color guard and assist those who might need some help navigating the buffet. The kids looked smart in dress whites and were of huge assistance to some of the folks.

The Platte County Commission presented the Association with a resolution which proclaimed May 17, 2002 as U.S.S. Platte Day in Platte County and thanked us for holding our event in their area. Pictures were taken of the crewmembers by year of service aboard Platte and are available from the Association. Contact Mike Brown for details. A questionnaire was presented to the attendees to determine their wishes for frequency of future reunions and some sites that they might like. A tally of those forms told us that every 2 years we should have another get-together. Site suggestions were quite varied and the preponderance of them stated San Diego or Las Vegas as future locations. The entire membership will be asked, in the near future, which of those 2 places is going to be our next reunion city.

The last day of the reunion an election was held to select new officers to head up the Association. Lynn Todd, because of his original idea for the group and all his past work was elected President Emeritus for life. That title is richly deserved. Mike Brown was selected Chairman of the Association, Roger Stevens as Historian and Charles Hyer as Treasurer. Two fellows, Fred Smith and Warren Lee, were asked to assist in publication of future newsletters. Their help will be greatly appreciated.

Future reunions will be planned with the help of those who may reside in the area selected. Some legwork is always necessary when trying to determine what is available to see and someone familiar with the city can be of great help. It has become clear that members of the U.S.S. Platte Association want to meet again and so we will do our best to make it happen. If the next reunion is as successful as Platte City was, it will be a good time for all hands.

Thanks to all who attended and here's hoping the rest of you can make the next one in 2004

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