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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMMITTEE MINUTES - 10/13/1992 NOTICE: The next meeting of the 5 Sullivan Brothers 50th Commemorative Event Committee will be at 4 P.M. on Tuesday, October 27, 1992 at the Waterloo Public Library. FIVE SULLIVAN BROTHERS 50th COMMEMORATIVE EVENT COMMITTEE MEETING October 13, 1992 MINUTES Present: Roger W. Smith, Henry Zander, Marcia M. Courbat, Bob Schreiner, Dale Lorenz, George Hubbard, Donald L. Baker, John Bedard, Jr., Jim Wilson, Sarah Barth, Craig White, Capt. Mark Bauer, Kevin Alexander, Dudley K. Blandin, II, Eddy Alexander, Richard Blandin, Joe DeBonis, Vic Gibson, Murray Davidson, Mayor Al Manning, Mike Magee, Paul Fant, Billie Bailey, Don Irwin, John Rooff, Pat Kinney, Larry Burger, Will Chamberlain, Ed Gallagher, Bev Lind The meeting was called to order by Beverly Lind at 4:10 P.M. in the meeting rooms of the Waterloo Public Library. She indicated that Mr. Gallagher, Chair of the Committee was on his way, but since several committee members indicated that they had commitments at 5:00 P.M., the business of the Committee would begin. Mr. Don Irwin reported for the Public Relations and Publicity Committee. He indicated that copies of the poster for distribution in public and private facilities were now ready and were available at Allbee Printing Company. He urged Committee members to pick them up there and indicated that they needed help in getting the posters distributed. These posters publicize both the banquet and the parade. He indicated that there was a need for additional brochures about the event since the supply was going fast. There would be additional publicity releases about the parade asking those who were interested in participating to contact Captain Bauer. Information on the howitzer appeared recently in the Waterloo Courier. Mr. Gallagher arrived and assumed the role as chair of the meeting. Don indicated that the 16 x 20 commemorative poster was currently being printed. It then had to go to the artist for signing since this is to be a limited edition. He needed to know how many the Committee would approve for printing so that he could inform the printer. Motion was made by Billie Bailey, seconded by Jim Wilson authorizing 500 of the commemorative posters be printed and sold at $20 each. in the discussion regarding the number to be printed, it was suggested that all those coming from some distance to participate, such as those with restored military vehicles, be given a poster. With that criteria, it was pointed out that all those attending the USS Juneau and USS The Sullivans' reunions would qualify. It was understood that these might be some of the people who would buy the posters. Mr. Gallagher suggested that the Committee be cautious on the distribution of these posters, as there is a real distinction between that poster and the one they were viewing today at the meeting. The art work for this poster is valued at$4,000 and is a contribution of Hellman Associates, Inc. The poster will have a four-part color separation and a transparency is being made of the work so as not to damage the art work which will hang in the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Following the discussion the motion carried. Mr. Irwin again pointed out that the posters, once printed, will be sent out of state for the artist's signing and will be returned to Waterloo at that time. They will be available at the Chamber of Commerce in Waterloo. Checks should be made out to the "Sullivan Brothers Memorial Fund." Mr. Schreiner will run this funding through the checking account for the memorial project. 1 Mr. Irwin asked that a decision be made on the number of additional brochures which should be printed. Motion was made by Joe DeBonis, seconded by Billie Bailey that 3,000 to 5,000 brochures be printed depending on where the price break comes. Motion carried. Mr. Irwin will make the necessary contacts. Mr. Irwin indicated there would be a news release on the limited edition poster. This will be distributed nationwide. Don indicated a poem had been received from Dr. Eugene Grollmes of St. Louis University. The author is interested in coming to read his poem if the Committee is interested. The billboard denoting the event is up at First and Sycamore Streets. Don indicated there would be two or three additional press releases. Topics would be: the main speaker, the parade and possibly bringing in from the Chicago area the restored WW II military vehicles. Don asked again for assistance in distributing the completed poster. Joe DeBonis suggested that another release could be made about the cache which will be on sale during the event. Mr. Gallagher called on Bob Schreiner for the report of the Finance Committee. There are pledges received of$6,800. With the committed pledges, the balance will be $9,755. We have almost $10,000 firm. It is projected we could have a balance of$12,800. Bob asked if the Gilbertville American Legion Post had sent their pledge yet. It was determined this pledge had not yet been received. Bob also asked if there were to be any official sponsorships because he had been asked this. Mr. Gallagher indicated there were none. Bob urged all who still had contacts to make for funds should call in all donations at this time. He thanked all who had contributed and who had made contacts for funds. He asked for any suggestions of unanticipated expenses or areas where Committee members were certain expenses might exceed the budget. Captain Bauer indicated estimates on signs for cars for the parade could equal about $600. A discussion was held on where signs could be made for less. John Rooff indicated he would check on the Board of Supervisors signs. Mr. Schreiner raised the issue of liability insurance to cover Committee members. Mr. Gallagher asked Larry Burger to check on this coverage under the City's insurance since this Committee was appointed by the Mayor. Mr. Gallagher indicated some insurance was purchased in 1988 for that event. It appears coverage might be necessary for the parade and for the banquet. Mr. Schreiner indicated he felt it would be prudent to purchase insurance, if necessary. Captain Bauer indicated we would need approximately 30 rooms for 50 people from the military who will arrive on Friday. They will have a food allowance and the Grout will be the site for their lunch on Saturday before they return. Sarah was asked if she could "beg" for accommodations for these people. Jim Wilson was called upon to report on the hanqur;t. He indicated 600 - 700 invitations have been printed and a list of officials to be invited has been made. Invitations will be mailed on October 23. He urged all to contact the Chamber of Commerce with other names of dignitaries who should be invited. Mr. Fant indicated 93 tickets to the banquet had been sold to participants in the USS The Sullivans' Reunion. Will Chamberlain indicated to date participants in the USS Juneau Reunion have purchased 130 banquet tickets. November 6 is the last date to order tickets. Checks can be made to the "Sullivan Brothers Memorial Fund" but will be accepted as noted on the banquet invitations "Five Sullivan Brothers Event." The program for the banquet has yet to be printed. Ed Gallagher asked Jim to make plans during the following week to meet to finalize this program. Jim indicated the decorations will be ordered tomorrow. Captain Bauer indicated 50 tickets for the Navy band members and color guard would be made available. Mr. Gallagher asked John Rooff if he would be responsible for checking to see how many Sullivan family members will be in attendance at the banquet so sufficient space could be reserved. He indicated he would be glad to do so. 2 Billie Bailey was called on to report on the exhibit. There was some discussion on the trees to be planted at the Grout Museum. Due to the time of year, it was agreed that the trees should be planted now, and they could be dedicated at the ceremony. Billie indicated that the museum had provided a number of photos as requested by various media. A one-minute video has been ordered. This has been made from newsreels of the time showing the Sullivans on the USS Juneau, and the parents upon notification of their loss. The Grout Museum has paid $2,000 for the rights to use the newsreel footage in the exhibit. These materials cannot be sold. The Sullivan exhibit will open at the Grout Museum on November 11 at 1 P.M. The reunion committees have been informed that reunion participants will have free access to the Grout during their reunion to view the exhibit. The Grout plans to host the Saturday lunch but can only accommodate 100. It was suggested that in addition to the Great Lakes personnel attending the lunch, that a total of 6 people who are the officers of the USS Juneau and USS The Sullivans organizations be included as well as the chaplain who will conduct the memorial service. The chaplain who is coming was Chief of the Chaplains Corps. Ed Gallagher indicated that at the banquet Father Hawes from St. Mary's will give the invocation and the visiting chaplain will give the benediction. Mr. Gallagher again reminded the Committee to get names of potential recipients of banquet tickets to Jim and Betty at the Chamber of Commerce Office for consideration. Requests will be evaluated for guest tickets be guaranteed for purchase. Mr. Gallagher called on Captain Bauer for a report on the parade. Captain Bauer indicated that at this time there will be 40 units. If all who have called about it participate as units, we will have double the number of units. At present, there are three area bands with the possibility of 7 or 8 bands including those of neighboring cities. There will be a unit from the Naval Reserve. Captain Bauer reported that the railroad had been contacted to try to ensure the parade route would not be blocked by trains. There is a 95% chance they will cooperate with us. He indicated estimates were $600 for 50 metallic signs for cars. The cost of graphics for the signs will be$100. Committee members indicated they would check into existing signs to be used. The captain indicated convertibles had been obtained, but owners did not want any tape to be used to hold signs. Another method of securing the signs was discussed, such as with velcro. Captain Bauer indicated plans were for the admirals in attendance to ride in jeeps. It was asked if signs could not be made on computer printers. There was some discussion on the need for preserving against weather conditions. It was suggested that Terry Poe be contacted about car signs. It is anticipated there will be 75- 100 groups in the parade. Security personnel will monitor intersections, etc. Mr. Alexander asked if some consideration could be given to providing participants in the parade with a navy blue ribbon to acknowledge their participation in the parade for this event. Those who bring their restored vehicles would appreciate this gesture. Discussion turned to memorabilia available for sale. Mr. Fant showed a jacket patch and decal which could be available from the USS The Sullivans. He indicated some items could be made available for a raffle, if desired. Post 19 showed memorabilia they had available for sale, and Joe DeBonis indicated those who are selling the cache could help sell these other items. This area needs to be coordinated. The Grout Museum will sell their items at the museum. Friends of the Library will have the booklet on the"Sullivan Family of Waterloo" available. Captain Bauer reported that the parade committee was meeting every Thursday. Sarah Barth indicated she had been contacted by a representative of the Red Cross who indicated their interest in participating in the parade. They were offended that they had not been invited to participate due to the role the Red Cross had played during the war and continues to play in all wars. The contact's name and number was given to Captain Bauer. 3 Kevin Alexander asked if the sidewalk around the convention center could be the staging area for the restored WW II vehicles following the parade. Larry Burger indicated he would check with the city engineers to determine if the sidewalk could bear the weight. There will be about 12 vehicles. Some could be near Veterans' Hall. Larry indicated he would notify the Police Department of the vehicles staying. The Parade Committee wants to guarantee that space will be available for WW II Veterans who want to participate. Larry Burger suggested that traffic patterns around the convention center be clearly defined so busses picking up bands and other groups at the terminal of the parade will know where to park and then pick up their people. In other business, Don Baker indicated he would be going into all Waterloo schools to talk about Veteran's Day, and he would see that all schools received posters on this event. Mr. Gallagher indicated that he had been invited to address school children also. The Red Cross had expressed interest in setting up an exhibit. Space availability in the convention center will have to be reviewed. Mr. Gallagher reported that Lt. Koontz's last day will he Monday. Ensign Kathy Seidel will be working with us as will Ensign Falcona. We have been informed we will have a Navy band, Navy drill team and color guard from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, from 50 - 60 people who will come either by plane or bus. There will be several flyovers. Contact is being made with Rear Admiral Vernon E. Clark, a native of Sioux City who is director of plans and policy, and director of program analysis and financial management for the United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois to serve as our main speaker at the banquet. Mr. Gallagher reviewed areas of responsibility. Movement of military personnel is Larry Burger's responsibility. Larry indicated he needs numbers and time schedules to ensure success in his assignment. Feeding of military personnel needs to be finalized. The reviewing stand and its bunting needs to be dealt with. Mr. Gallagher indicated he would contact the TV stations. As a reminder, he stated on the night of the banquet there would be a cash bar from 6:30 - 7:15 with the banquet beginning at 7:15 P.M. on Friday, November 13. There will be a Navy/Marine Color Guard. Mr. Fant asked if arrangements could be made for a visit to the parents' graves at the cemetery where a wreath could be placed, He recommended five sailors at the cemetery and suggested 10 A.M. Friday morning. It was suggested that afternoon might be better when we know when the Great Lakes personnel will arrive. Captain Bauer suggested the Navy recruiters might be able to handle this, and he offered to contact them. Kevin Alexander indicated he wanted to talk about after November 14th. He suggested this should become a yearly activity to honor all veterans. He also proposed developing a historic trail of the family of the Five Sullivans, highlighting significant events in that family's life. One could walk in the steps of the Sullivans. Memorabilia could be available. Mr. Gallagher suggested that Mr. Alexander's idea be conveyed to the group currently working on Silos and Smokestacks, a possible National Park Service historical interpretation of this area. Mr. Gallagher reported to the Committee that he had been contacted by Dr. Eugene E. Grollmes, Assistant Dean to the College of Arts and Sciences at St. Louis University about a poem he has written in honor of the commemoration. He is willing to pay his own expenses to come if he can read his poem. He has given his permission to have it published. It was agreed that the poem be published in the program and be read by the author prior to the benediction. Plans are for the program to end with everyone singing "God Bless America." Bev Lind reported that another poem had been received. It was written 50 years ago and sent to Mrs, Sullivan by someone who wanted the Sullivan family to know of how others reacted to their great loss. It was suggested this poem could be printed and distributed at each table at the banquet. 4 Mr. Gallagher also indicated there would be remarks from Admiral Ramage at the banquet. Mike Magee asked if there could be some assistance given to bring Mr. Stan LeMasters here from Louisville, Kentucky. He is the gentleman who made the grafts from the trees available to us. Mr. Schreiner asked Mike to get costs to him and the Committee agreed to partially reimburse his expenses. As Mayor Manning was leaving, Mr. Gallagher asked if he had any comments. Mayor Manning suggested the Committee might want to consider placing an acrylic cube for donating at the convention center to assist in expenses. He indicated he would be at the banquet and in the parade. Mike Magee indicated the National Geographic would not be attending our event. He asked about transportation for the survivors who would be arriving at different times. Since his personal car was not large, it was suggested to him to contact Larry Burger about using a city van to pick them up. He may need some assistance in this area. He asked if a banquet ticket will be made available to the national president of Gold Star Mothers who is planning to attend. Word has not yet been received from the Irish Ambassador in Washington. It was suggested that perhaps the Gold Star Mothers President might be a guest at Friendship Village. It was suggested that a press conference be planned for representatives of the media to interview the survivors. Committee members were informed there would be another meeting scheduled in October. The date was set for Tuesday, October 27 at 4 P.M. at the Waterloo Public Library. Mr. Gallagher indicated that Senator Grassley was sending a Presidential Proclamation recognizing the event. It was suggested contact should be made with Mayor Manning about a proclamation. 5