Ahoy Mates,                                                                                                 View from art museum to city hall- easy hotel walk

It is with great enthusiasm and pleasure we invite you, your family and friends to our 9th Reunion. I can truly say, as our itinerary unfolds and I learn a bit more of Philly, I’m more impressed with Philly each day and know you’ll be equally impressed as well. It’s also the perfect opportunity to rendezvous with the friends and family you may not see on a regular basis. Another thought, why not consider giving the grandkids a first hand history lesson in the exciting city that gave birth to the American Revolution and American Independence.

If you've been to Philadelphia before, you already know what an exciting city it is. If you’ve never been to Philly, what better time is there to explore the Liberty Bell, our Constitution, Congress & Independence Hall, the Avenue of the Arts and so much more you’ll be sorry to see our Reunion end. If you never attended a Perry reunion, what better reason do you need to enjoy the hustle & bustle of an exciting Historical city? Remember, we're not getting any younger, so its important to seize the moment when you can and join your shipmates for a fun filled time. You owe it to yourself to take this opportunity to cruise ‘down memory lane’ and enjoy the sea stories of your fellow shipmates.                   

To our shipmates who have not yet made a Perry voyage down ‘memory lane‘, be assured, you’ll be warmly welcomed by all in the city of ‘brotherly love’. After you drop your sea bag on your bunk and join everyone at our hospitality room it won't take but a few minutes to feel the camaraderie of everyone and become as comfortable as you once were aboard the Perry. Just ask any of our lucky shipmates that continue to attend our reunions, and they will tell you they are as excited as I am to be joining everyone again for another great time.

Travel to Philly couldn’t be easier. It’s an international airport with direct flights from all major airports and just 8 miles from our hotel. Shuttle transportation is plentiful and for the more adventurous sailors, our Hotel is only a $2 train ride away with a stop across the street from the hotel. Philly truly appreciates us old Vets and even offers us free Trolley & Bus rides with your Medicare card. How about them apples!

As always, early registrations are important for our effective dealings with the Hotel and tour vendors. If you’ll help us out with an early registration, the Perry Association will give you an opportunity to win a one night stay and full breakfast on the concierge dining level during your stay at the hotel. The hotel also has a 24-hour cancellation policy without penalty so you can book your room ASAP without concern. Thanks!

As always, our reunion chairman Martin Deeney has lifted all ‘Cinderella Liberty’ restrictions and has a most exciting itinerary waiting for you. What else can be said, I’m glad I’m going, glad you’re going and glad we’ll all have the opportunity to reminisce the Perry yesteryears one more time. Can’t wait to see you all again for that ‘cruise down memory lane’. I missed Pensacola, but God willing I’ll be seeing you all in Philly.

Wishing you all a wonderful reunion,

Steve Silk