GRAND EASTER REUNION

Saturday, April 10, 2004

Association members at the reunion.

In the afternoon, several of us gathered at a nearby Pub to enjoy a drink together and catch up on old times before moving on to the fashionable Boisdale's restaurant in Belgravia. There were more smiles, hand shaking and back slapping as more of us arrived at the restaurant. At least two of our members for example had not seen each other in more than twelve years. Others who met up for the first time instantly realised they had met briefly before, on the ravaged frontline at Vinkovci in 1992.

Most of those who join the Association, do so with great caution and after much checking and deliberation to ensure that the Association is not some kind of collection of mindless hooligans. That is why dinners such as this, in respectable locations that require a measure of financial commitment are such a positive boost to putting people's minds at rest and encourage quality recruitment into the Association. We are a genuine veterans' association, nothing more and people joining us can see that when they attend these functions and be reassured.

Brigadir Knezevic was the perfect guest and provided a great deal of interesting conversation as well as a most generous invitation to join him on a hunting expedition in Croatia later this year. It was with pleasure that we presented him with an official CFIVA plaque that we hope will remind him of his time at the Croatian Embassy in London. In reciprocation, he warmly invited those of us who wished, to attend the forthcoming Croatian National Day/Armed Forces Day diplomatic reception at the Ambassador's residence in June.

All due credit must go to our member who booked our tables, the food and wine were excellent, with a most definite Scottish accent on the menu. Some of us enjoyed lobster bisque whilst others indulged in Aberdeen Angus roast beef, wild salmon and traditional haggis. The wine was of insurpassable quality and big Havana cigars rounded off a truly wonderful meal in puffs of satisfied smoke.

We remained there, all of us talking the night away, until the restaurant closed just after 1.00am. A handful of desperadoes even went on to a bar in the West End and did not get home until well into the following day! Everybody had a good time, as your Secretary has received messages of thanks and confirmation from everybody who was there; "It was an absolute pleasure meeting each and every one of you... the restaurant was perfect; very British which was great for me to experience, personally." Another said; "It was a pleasure and an honour to meet you all. I hope it happens again."

As a result, the commitment of our members to attend the International Veterans' Festival at Weymouth, England on June 19th & 20th this year increased significantly. Brigadir Knezevic confirmed that he will also be in attendance to salute the parade as over 5,000 war veterans (many of them heroes of D-Day) march past.

Once again, our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the reunion and helped to make it such a wonderfully warm and enjoyable evening. You can be sure that more reunions will follow soon.

Who's in for next Easter?

CFIVA