The handsome young fella on the left is my Dad in uniform (Albert B. Miller, Jr., 1E/HQ). The bars on his uniform indicate he’s seen five major engagements (thus the silver star bar). I look into those eyes and try to see the pain of a young man who lost a really good buddy, Cliff (aka Bill) Lehman, on his first day of combat, 7 August 1942, at Tulagi. I don’t see the pain but I’ve heard it in our talks – some 60 years later!
On the right is my Dad on his 79th birthday (in 1999). I live near Richmond, VA, so during one of his 
visits we went to the Raider Museum in Richmond. The museum was very interesting and finding his name on the doors was important to Dad. (For those uninformed, the museum holds a series of folding doors that contain the names of all Raiders). It was a poignant moment when he stood for a moment in front of the Japanese machine gun and whispered “That damn Nambu.”
Now, on to the reunion ….
The Hospitality Room had GREAT displays as well as afforded a casual and comfortable setting for socializing.
This display covered the discovery, recovery, and ‘going home’ for the men of the 2nd Battalion’s Makin Raid who were scheduled to be re-interred at Arlington National Cemetery later that day.
I, myself, was carrying around pictures of Dad in uniform looking for buddies that remembered him. I found three!!! Here is the 1st gentleman I found – it was a privilege and honor to talk with John Apergis who holds the distinction of having served with BOTH the 1st and 2nd Raider Battalions.
A couple of colorful Raiders: Glen Arnold (on the left) and Leslie Williams. I believe both served in the 1st Battalion.
Evans Carlson, Jr. (on the right) and a friend looking over my book, “Our Kind of War: Illustrated Saga of The U.S. Marine Raiders of World War II” by R. G. Rosenquist, Col Martin J. (Stormy) Sexton and Robert A. Buerlein. This book is not currently available in print – I was fortunate to find a used copy for sale.
NOTE to Rudy Rosenquist: A lot of people liked the book and hope another printing will be considered soon.
The memorial service at the chapel at Ft. Myers for the Raiders of the 2nd Battalion. The chapel service preceded the graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery. Standing room only.
During the memorial service, I had the good fortune to sit next to Duane Paulsen who was one of the Makin Raiders. He did not know my Dad but had kind words of respect for the men of the 1st Battalion. I, in turn, feel the same about him and ALL Raiders!
More from Ft. Myers Chapel and Arlington National Cemetery.
While at the graveside service, I was talking to Lynn Dix whose dad also served in the 1st Battalion. A gentleman next to him overheard us and mentioned that his dad served in 1E. I asked if his dad was around, he stepped aside and, lo and behold, I got to meet the 2nd gentleman, Glen Campbell, who remembered my Dad well. It was an honor and privilege to meet him.
Glen – My Dad says “It was good to see you!”
The banquet --- what an event!!! So many people, families, and Raiders.
It was at the banquet that I found the 3rd gentleman who remembered my Dad. Mr. John Sweeney was happy to see how my Dad is doing and hear about his post-war life. It was most definitely an honor and privilege to meet this man.
The guest speaker for the evening, Paul X. Kelly, former commandant of the Marines. His speech truly did service to a group of highly respected and distinguished men – the Marine Raiders!
I was remiss in writing down the names of these two individuals at the banquet who were seated at the same dinner table as I. Both were representatives of organizations of the 6th Marines. If memory serves me right, the gentleman was a medic at Iwo Jima and the lady (and she truly was) is the widow of another medic, who also served in the 6th Marines. Truly amazing people that I felt fortunate to have spent some time with them.
I had opportunity to meet and talk with Mel Hecht, currently the President of the Raider Association. I know he must have been busy with a lot of family and comrades at the banquet. And yet, he took time to sit and talk with me one on one. Only if he reads this will he know how much that meant to me. He is simply an outstanding and dignified gentleman!
My last picture is by no means the least important to me. It is unfortunate that Jerry Beau’s eyes are closed because if anyone is looking out for the Raider Association, it is he!!! He provided me with a roster of my Dad’s Raider service and this, in turn, helped me piece together where Dad was (and helped him remember stories that I now have on tape). Jerry is truly a classy guy!!!
I'd have to say my first Raider Reunion was a GREAT personal success. I brought along a couple of books about Raiders and managed to get lots of signatures – I’ve since been able to add my Dad’s as well. They were great books before, but now they are PRICELESS in spirit!
I got a chance to talk to men from all 4 Raider Battalions and heard stories about stolen cows, passwords (lu-la lu-la lay), ‘staik and aggs’ from New Zealand, and heard about the losses as well as the wonderful lives and families that were built after the war.
My journey has brought me closer to my Dad and helped me understand part of what makes him the man he is. I wish Dad could more easily share what I believe my generation needs to know about the sacrifices his generation made. But when we talk about that first day on Tulagi, I understand why he doesn’t like to revisit that part of his past.
Dad – if you get a chance to go on-line, know how proud I am of you and all Raiders!!