Well I arrived in Stirling 22 Sept and checked into Golden Lion Hotel. I had previously called from Canada to book a reservation at the hotel and was told the room was 80 pounds sterling a night. I had taken a trip to Stirling the previous week of the reunion and was told they didn’t have a reservation so I booked it again and was then told the room was 50 pounds a night the price was getting better each time. Well when I checked in on the 22 Sept they said they still never had a reservation for me there .So once again I booked the room advising her that I was with the Argyll group and she said that’s fine your room will be 35 pounds a night .On this I decided that I would pay in advance as this price was just to good I had been staying in hotels for the best part of this trip as I was combining business with the reunion finishing of the trip and had paid as much as 135 pounds a night. Figured this was too good a deal not to pay for 3 nights in advance.

Well the morning of the reunion turned out to be typical Scottish weather it rained and didn’t look like it was going to let up .as I walked up that hill to the castle I found out that I wasn’t in as good a shape as I should be, you have to be part goat for that hill.

Upon arrival I was directed to the great hall where all the vets where gathering for the parade .At this time I wandered around speaking to a few of the men to see if there was anyone who remembered my Late Father John SC Dunn. A couple of them thought they knew him and believed he was with 9 platoon “C” company but this could not be confirmed. I introduced myself and was introduced by some of the vets I had met at the hotel the previous evening. A rather distinguished Gentleman with a Glengarry was introduced to me there and he asked me “Why I wasn’t wearing My Father’s medals”

My reply to him was I didn’t think I had the right to wear them in the company I was in. He very nicely told me you are here in your Father Name You should have them on your right side and the next time you make sure that you wear them it is your right. This gentleman turned out to be the Ret Col of the Argyll’s and he presented each of the vets with their Korean Ribbons the fact that he told me I should wear them now meant a lot to me.

After about 15mins the had all the Korean vets line up for parade outside the great hall and RSM Whitehead put them through their paces as to getting in line with the assistance of Sgt. Mac Macfarlane. Then the Korean ribbons were given to each of the vets who were in the Parade line. At this point the 1st Battalion Pipe Band started playing and With Cruachan III and his Handler lcpl McMurray leading the way and the Pipe Band behind them with the Regimental Colors as well with Korean vets flag the Vets of Korea began their march to the Kirk of the Holy Rude. They all walked with a spark to their steps .I was very proud to be able to have been allowed to come from Canada and be allowed to see this and meet some of the men who had served with my father in Korea. The Walk down the hill to the Kirk of the Holy Rude was much simpler than the trip uphill. Upon arriving at the Kirk the vets all went inside where the service began.

After the service everyone went back to the Golden Lion Hotel. As a luncheon was arranged there for all who attended the reunion approx 220.A very nice lunch was provided and refreshments. I sat with another Canadian from Ottawa who had come over for the reunion as his Son James Robertson had got in touch with me in Canada to inquire if I knew anything about any events that were going on regarding the 50th anniversary of Korean War. This is when I advised him through email that they were having a reunion in Stirling. This prompted them both to come for the event.  Also representatives where there from A serving Major from the Canadian Princess Pats. A serving Major from the U.S. Army I also believe there was retired officers from the Middlesex Regiment. There was a very good representation from all groups there it seemed. It was a very good Day and was enjoyed by all I believe.

That evening a few of the Vets went to the Baklava Club and had a few more refreshments let’s say. I stayed at the hotel Bar and ended up having a few drinks with the U.S. Major John Szypko later that evening. Over the weekend I talked with Ray Vearnels and learned more than a few things and also had a few conversations the ret RSM of the Argyll’s Tom Collett. I stayed on at the Golden Lion until Monday morning, as did a few others we talked a lot on this weekend. It turned out to be the best part of a 3-week trip to the U.K. and Europe. We all had a Large Scottish Breakfast on Monday morning before setting off our separate ways. Funny the things I miss from Scotland after I came back to Canada are those Breakfasts they are totally unhealthy but they sure tasted great to me. Also who can forget the fish suppers still are the best in the world.

Thanks to John McConnell of the Stirling newspaper for the above pictures