US REBILDNEWS SUMMER 2017 US REBILDNEWS SUMMER 2017 | Page 13

welcome, U.S. Rebild Corporate Secretary Linda Steffensen
gave practical safety advice due to the heat and strong
sunshine, and Rebild Southern California Chapter President
and 2017 Tour Coordinator Mette Haydt gave schedule changes
and tour updates. The featured guest speaker was St. Croix
local resident Leif C. Pedersen, who spoke on the history of U.S.
Virgin Islands and he recalled when Rebild held its membership
meeting on the U.S. Virgin Islands exactly 25 years ago for the
75th Anniversary!
The Welcome Reception was followed in the evening by a
festive Centennial Concert at the St. Croix Island Center,
featuring the Copenhagen Brass Ensemble, Cultural
performances by Moko Jumbies, Masquerader Dancers and
Quadrille Dancers accompanied by the Ten Sleepless Knights
Band.
On Friday, March 31st, the Transfer Ceremonies began early with
a Parade in Christiansted, followed by Transfer Ceremonies near
the Fort, including remarks and participation from The
Honorable Stacey E. Plaskett, Member, 115th United States
House of Representatives, The Honorable Lars L. Rasmussen,
Prime Minister of Denmark, The Honorable Ryan Zinke, United
States Secretary of The Interior and The Honorable Kenneth E.
Mapp, Governor of The Virgin Islands. Many Rebild members
then headed to Doc Petersen’s Beach House for a Beach Party
Lunch of Roasted Pig with all the Trimmings.
On Saturday, April 1, there was an Island Tour for all participants
with an overview of St. Croix with a tour of the Botanical
Gardens and the Cruzan Rum Factory.
On Sunday, April 2, 2017, the official Rebild meetings began
with a Rebild Combined Mee ting & Brainstorming Session of
National Board Members, Chapter Presidents and several
Representatives generating many good ideas and discussion.
The National Board Members finished their meetings Sunday
afternoon, so everyone could get ready for the St. Croix
Centennial Gala at the Carambola Hotel & Spa, where
participants enjoyed the Renaissance Calypso Band, a Military
Dance Band and the “We Del Yah Cultural Dancers” and other
entertainers.
On Monday afternoon, April 3, 2017, almost 80 Rebild members
gathered at the hotel for the two-hour Rebild General
Membership Meeting, where National President Jesper
Jespersen told about the state of the society and new board
members Helene Christensen (DK) and Bertel Schou (West
Virginia/Iowa) were elected to the national board. Jorgen
Jeppesen (DK), Sune Frederiksen (Kentucky) and Vern Hunter
(North Dakota) were all re-elected to second three-year terms
on the national board. Paul Roge (Illinois) and Poul Dausel (DK),
who completed their many years serving on the national board,
were thanked for their dedication and support to Rebild through
the years. The meetings ended with an Organizational Meeting
for National Board Members and concluded with the
tropically-attired guests enjoying the Rebild Gala Dinner at the
Renaissance St. Croix Carambola, which featured the opening
national anthems by John Rasmussen (New York) and Taylor
Ann Grand (Minnesota), invocation by Pastor Karen Knutson
(Illinois) and a speech by National President Jesper Jespersen
with recognition of Mette Haydt and her Southern California
Rebild Chapter for organizing the overall 2017 Rebild Meeting.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2017, Rebild Life Member Peter Flinch
arranged an optional visit to the beautiful training ship
Skoleskibet Danmark in port in Frederiksted. On the final
evening, one group went on a Sunset Cruise while others
enjoyed the resort’s pool and amenities.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017 was departure day for many, although
a few lucky members had extended their stays and enjoyed the
nice Renaissance Carambola hotel or explored the other islands
a few additional days.
Special thanks go to Rebild Southern California Chapter
President Mette Haydt, Chapter Secretary Connie Hanson and
Aase Christiansen Luke of Superior Travel for coordinating
Photos online
Please look for the link to
over 600 outstanding
photographs from the 2017
Annual Rebild Membership
Meeting on St. Croix by Rebild
U.S. Webmaster and Chicago
Midwest Rebild Member
Johannes Smits at
www.danishrebildsociety.com
and www.rebildfesten.dk.
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