Thread: Looks like camp is open

The first Oklahoma Crappie Camp is in the books and I have to say it was huge success. I would like to thank Dave, Floyd, Merle, and Pappa for doing the lions share of the work on getting it organized. They had a very good plan from the beginning and with the help of numerous volunteers both days it went off great. A BIG THANK YOU to our sponsors for all the prizes. Thank you to the cooks and the registration ladies. Being able to put a real name and face with the handles used on CDC was nice. I met a lot of new people who were just as great as the ones I have met over the last 4-5 years. My wife and son really enjoyed it also. Only wished we could have stayed for both days, work always gets in the way of a good time.

As great as the food, fellowship, seminars, and prizes were the thing that made me the most proud was the little "opening ceremony" just before we ate on Friday. Floyd called everyone to attention and announced how special of a day it was to be having our first meeting but announced that June 6th was a very special day for another reason, it was the 70th anniversary of D-Day. He asked for a moment of silence to honor those who served then and who are still actively serving. He proceeded to thank them for their sacrifice so we could be free to enjoy days like this. We then were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by a young man assisted by a young lady holding the flag. I think Hat55's wife then led a crowd of over 50 in singing the National Anthem. As I tried to sing, I could only think of my grand dad who had been one of those men who served on D-Day. As I looked around I don't think I was the only one with a tear in my eye. Later Mrs. Hat told me she could barely sing for being choked up. Hat55 then led us in a moving prayer thanking our soldiers, past and current, then thanking Jesus, who gave us ultimate freedom through his blood. I stood there as proud as I could be, to be part of a group of people who knew where we came from and the sacrifices made to get there.

Needless to say I am very proud to be part of such a great group of people. I look forward to our next meeting and who says we can only do one a year. I think a Spring and Fall Camp would be great.

Thank you again to everyone who had any part in making this happen!!

Odie
Doug Owens