This was an experiment – to take a small group to be at the compound of MANFRED ROEDER (1517-LIFE-1990) for this special celebration. We announced that we could take only nine people – and we had nine people signed on for the “Patrol” but one Member lost a fight with a rattlesnake, so he and his lady could not join us. No, thanks God, he was not bitten but he broke his leg jumping over a low wall getting away from the snake so seven Members participated in this experimental “Patrol“. Was it a success? Take a look.
We begin in Frankfurt/Main where we met up at our host hotel. Below are some random photos shot by MARK KUBA (7306-2008) and it gives a nice look to our beginning. We added something REALLY special to this skyline at the end of our “Patrol” but you will see that later. We also note in the first photo – they SURE love their beer in Germany!
Above left – Sharkhunters founder and President HARRY COOPER (1-LIFE-1983) gets directions from the desk.
Above right – Professor RENÉE von WÖRDE (887-C-1988) and MARILYN TIMMS (5516-1998) in the lobby.
Here is what RENÉE told us after she returned from this great “Patrol“:
“What a great experience! I hope our Members realize that only with Sharkhunters can they live and re-live history in so many ways. Keep up the good work. We need you.”
During the drive to our destination, we took care of our growling stomachs with a great lunch in this little town (below)
Above left – lots of supervisors; we need a victim…….sorry, I mean we need a VOLUNTEER!
Above center – Our ‘volunteer‘ attaches a line as high as possible and the other end to a farm tractor.
Above right – When the retaining bolt was removed, this heavy oak pole just crashed down, dragging the tractor with it.
All’s well that ends well………………does anyone believe that?
After the Flag raising ceremony, the main point was the awarding of a very special medal to MANFRED. This is the Order of Teutonic Loyalty with Oak Leaf, seen below left here. COOPER was the one who affixed the medal on MANFRED in a most impressive ceremony.
The group then marched to the open field where the bonfire was stacked and it was set alight with powerful speeches.
TROY STROTHER (7255-2007) reported that he had a fantastic time and his most vivid memory of this “Patrol” was the bonfire in Germany. He said that it was a fantastic event and he was happy to see that it was a multi-national event with people from the USA, the UK as well as Germany and Austria.
…………….the music continued until well after dark.
The next day was a sad one, as we had to say our farewells to our host, to old friends and to new friends we just met. | |
Even more comments from RENEÉ who emailed:
“I had a fantastic time! Best memory of the ‘Patrol‘ probably was TORSTEN’s speech at the bonfire and definitely MANFRED’s welcome to us. I think I already said how much I appreciated everything but I might also add that only with Sharkhunters could we have had this kind of reception and welcome.”
But our adventure isn’t quite finished. Take a look at the photos below – what do you see?
We were back in Frankfurt/Main for our last evening together and as we walked to the restaurant, there was an unusual droning sound in the sky and MARK took these photos. Can you recognize ‘Alte Tante JU‘…………..the JU-52 tri-motor airliner? This is the 1936 JU-52 airliner that was restored by Lufthansa about twenty years ago and used as a sales tool.
COOPER remembered this very plane, as in 1989 he was invited to join a small VIP group to ride on this plane when she was in Florida. What a trip into history for him back in 1989 and what a treat for our group in 2009.
Yes, indeed it was a huge success and count on coming with us to Germany for the Summer Solstice next year. It will be even better!