History! Heritage! Heroes!
Save the dates: August 14 through August 17, 2024
We’re pleased to announce that the 77th reunion of the 83rd Infantry Division Association will be held at the Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey PA Wednesday August 14 through August 17, 2024. Save the dates!
Where?
Our reunion hotel is the Harrisburg Hershey Red Lion Hotel 751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA.17111. This family friendly hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, outdoor recreation area including an All-Sports Court, Basketball, Tennis, Shuffleboard (tourney anyone?), coin operated arcade games, ping pong and billiard room. We heard you loud & clear at last years reunion on what you wanted for our reunion hotel & we delivered with a very low rate & added value. Rates are $129 per night including two hot breakfast buffet tickets per room.
There is no extra charge for triple or quads & free parking and free shuttle to the nearby Harrisburg airport. For those flying, the closest airport is Harrisburg (MDT) with a free hotel shuttle. Other airport options include BWI, Dulles, & Philadelphia, all approximately 2 hours away but will require a rental car or other ground transportation. Find all out information on the hotel and how to make your reservations by clicking on the photo below:
Wednesday August 14, 2024
We will officially kick off the reunion opening night with a casual “come as you are” Welcome reception with some light food and drink. In addition, drop by for some one on one time to “meet & greet” new members and see your old 83rd friends. Now we got a special day so DONT stay out too late.
Thursday August 15, 2024
A very special full day begins with a professionally guided bus tour of Gettysburg National Park. Our visit to the park will include a stop at the Gettysburg Battleground amphitheater where we are honored to hold our annual memorial service on this hallowed ground. After our tour we stop for lunch at the National Visitors Center with time to browse the gift shop. In the afternoon we visit the new World War 2 experience, recently nominated for USA Today’s Best New Museum award. What a special day!
Of course Thursday night the hospitality room will be open in full swing welcoming you to relax with a cold beverage & snacks with an 80th anniversary French theme. The 83rd PX will be open and restocked with more NEW items. We anticipate welcoming several new descendant members of the 329th Co. K who are traveling to the reunion with a very special memento of the liberation of St. Malo to view. We’ll also review memories of 80th anniversary D-day events & Meautis memorial christening.
Friday August 16, 2024
Friday is another great day. For those with a sweet tooth or penchant for chocolate our day will begin with a visit to Hershey World where you’ll take a free chocolate factory tour ride and create your own candy bar! Later in the morning we take a short ride over to the Army Heritage Education Center where a great buffet lunch awaits, followed by a specially arranged visit. We’ll have an opportunity to learn about AHEC’s vast collection.
AHEC expect to have a number of 83rd related artifacts and materials to view and share. During our visit we will also present to AHEC our set of original Thunderbolt magazines which AHEC will gratefully welcome into their archives. A visit to both their indoor exhibits cataloguing a day in the life of a soldier and a special tram tour of AHEC’s outdoor heritage trail will follow. The trail includes full scale exhibits from the French & Indian War through current Army operations. Then a quick ride back to hotel for some R&R in the hospitality room (or maybe a nap).
Again, back by popular demand, Keven will host the 4th annual “Friday night fun night” with an WW2/83rd inspired movie/video session, group games (anyone driving have cornhole boards?) and most importantly, time to relax and fellowship with Vets and fellow members. Also, Linda will set up the 83rd “photo booth” along with our 53rd backdrop for some fun pics. Hmm, will she have a theme for this year’s fun night? Stay tuned!
Saturday August 17, 2024
In the morning will have our general session with another special surprise in the works connected to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Sat. Malo.. Saturday afternoon is reserved as a “rain date” should weather seriously interfere with our planned memorial service at Gettysburg. Otherwise there will be some free time, perhaps to enjoy the hotel amenities and of course more hospitality time. We also hope to have Catholic Mass Saturday afternoon if at all possible. The evening kicks off with our cocktail hour followed by our traditional dinner banquet with some surprise special entertainment (we’re trying to top last year?).
Next steps?
Review the reunion registration form, choose your activity & dinner options & mail back. Also, to reserve your room, either click the reunion link on our website or call the hotel directly. Pls contact Keven if you have any questions or need help. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday July 2nd
Special notice
Membership year has returned to August 1-July 31. Yearly regular member dues are now $40. Three-year memberships remain at $100; additional year family memberships $20 or $50 for three years. Check your membership card for year of expiration. We thank you for all your support.