Super Sixtys 60th Reunion
THE COVID GOUGE

Dear Classmates,

The Class Officers and our Board of Directors have determined (unanimously) to cancel our April 2021 Reunion. The Covid conditions that caused postponement of the original September date continue at a level that warrant this cancellation.

 As described in the first Covid Gouge (early December), we assessed several principal factors in reaching our decision. 

          (1) Restrictions in The Yard for the Chapel Memorial Service, lunch at the O Club, and for the Lacrosse Doubleheader and Afternoon Banquet at the Stadium. The Brigade should complete vaccinations by early February and that may initiate movement toward normal operations for midshipmen. But access for visitors to the Chapel and O Club is unlikely. Varsity sports are playing within The Yard but there are no attendees in the seats. Access to the Stadium and the N-Room will be consistent with Anne Arundel County requirements. 

          (2) Restrictions in Annapolis for dining venues that would affect the Thursday evening reception, company parties on Friday, and the free time on Saturday evening. A limit of 50% restaurant occupancy has recently been announced, an easing compared to the 25% standard that existed during the Fall and most of January. However, there is no long-term indication of additional improvement.   

          (3) Availability of Covid vaccines is improving. However, priorities and waiting lists vary according to your location. Receiving the shots prior to travel and attending the Reunion is a personal decision for each of us. 

          (4) Survey results (as of 26 January) 

  • Classmates that do not plan to attend: 144

  • Classmates planning to attend: 71

  • Projected total attendance: 136 (Classmates plus 63 guests and 2 widows)

Financial planning for both the September 2020 and April 2021 dates has been based on total attendance of 200–250 Classmates and guests. Raising the registration fee for fewer attendees to support the traditional scope of activities of previous Reunions is not recommended. 

There is significant chagrin among the Class Officers and members of the BoD in reaching this decision. The phrases “60th Reunion for the Class of 1960” and “60 for ‘60” have a special ring and meaning for each of us. 

However, we do not feel a third attempt in the Fall of 2021 is realistic. Reunion planning is a two (or three) year endeavor for all USNA classes. Desirable dates and venues for the Fall of 2021 have likely already been filled by those classes whose 5-year reunion cycle includes 2021. 

Finally – 

More than many classes, I feel we possess a unique camaraderie, rooted in shared experience, that is included in our sense of “Classmate.” Our time in history is the Cold War, whether minimum service or thirty years (and more for a few). 

I want to examine opportunities for Classmates to continue to come together after our country returns to normal. Suggestions are welcome. 

          (s) Pete Chabot