1. No black or dark colors. Nothing depressing. This is a celebration. 2. Everyone must have a smile and enjoy themselves. 3. You must mingle and talk to everyone present; share your stories of Uncle Don. And remember him the way you last saw him. Full of life, love, and happiness.
We plan on this being a casual, fun time. Scheduled events and formal occasions were not my father's favorite things, so lets forget the formality and enjoy ourselves.
The party is going to be held from 1100 - 1600 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for you civilians) in the patio area. the patio has a separate entrance from the main restaurant. For those familiar the entrance is located to the right as you face the front of the building. There is PLENTY of parking available, so please do not worry. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT BEING THERE EXACTLY AT 11:00. The party is designed to be enjoyed if you arrive at 11:00 or 3:45.
There is ONE exception to the above. As is fitting of my father's military service we have invited the Davis-Monthan AFB Color Guard to attend the party. They will require approximately 15 minutes to complete the ceremony, which will start at 1200 (noon). They will require complete silence during their program. They will perform a formal flag ceremony, and present a flag to the family (this flag has been flown over the nations' capital in Uncle Don's honor) and fire a 21-Gun salute to a fallen Airman.
WARNING: THE RIFLES THE COLOR GUARD ARE USING ARE REAL. THE AMMUNITION THEY ARE USING ARE BLANKS (NO PROJECTILE), BUT THE WEAPONS MAKE THE SAME LOUD NOISE. THIS MIGHT BE FRIGHTENING TO SMALL CHILDREN. IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR YOUNG ONES MIGHT GET SCARED PLEASE GO INSIDE THE RESTAURANT, OR COVER THEIR EARS. YOU CAN ALSO ARRIVE AFTER THE CEREMONY IS COMPLETE.
