May sixth through eighth was the annual get-together in Southern France. This year was my first time in Menton or at any China Post event. There were quite a few people in attendance and we all had a great time. Most came before the sixth and left after the eigth. There is much to do in the area and we did it all. V-E Day (May 8) was impressive, China Post No. 1 represented our country well.
    Menton is a small, but interesting town on the French Riviera. The eastern edge of town lies on the border with Italy and Monaco is roughly 20km to the west, with the Mediterranean to the south. We stayed down the street from a decent casino (I think we all lost more money than we made there). The town has a nice shopping district but it mainly caters to tourists. There is great scenery and such with the Alps as the backdrop. All in all it is a nice, relaxing town.*
   Monday the VFW meetings were held. Tuesday held the China Post meetings. There we discussed all the pressing issues, however I believe the most significant was the Post home. Fred Platt (Post Commander) briefed us all on the plans and ideas for the building. It will be a three-story building in Houston with the museum on the first floor, auditorium, offices and a bar on the second and rented out executive offices on the top. More on the home (inculding illustrations) will be on the website as it is finalized.
   Wednesday we participated in all local V-E Day memorials. We began at the Naval memorial by the sea. From there we carried on through the town, doing two more ceremonies at other monuments. Later in the day was the memorial at Roquebrune followed by a reception.
   I had to leave on Thursday but many of the others stayed, travelling through Europe on rail passes. During my time there I heard many interesting stories, was part of the making of new ones, represented my country in memorial ceremonies and got to see the brotherhood that is China Post 1 in action. It was truly an awsome experience. To anyone who has not yet been to a Post event or Menton in particular I highly recommend it!

* If you are thinking about travelling to the area, contact us. We can help.