Seven members of the NC Society were present for the 2019 Annual Congress in Costa Mesa, California: Jim Becker, John Thornhill, Sam Powell, Gary Green, George Strunk, Jay DeLoach, and Michael Aycock.

Events started with the Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade (with a 6.4 Earthquake), and a Let Freedom Ring Ceremony in Cerritos, CA on the 4th. On Friday, four of us headed out to Annaheim, CA, for a nice German Dinner and had a 7.1 earthquake as we finished desert (the restaurant shook real good).

On Saturday, we participated in the Host Society Cruise at Newport, CA. On Sunday, we participated in the Color Guard and Memorial Service and that evening were happy to observe the Rumbaugh Oration Contest and watch our own contestant, Riley Shaner win Second Place for her speech. This was her second time competing and we and her family were there to cheer her on.

On Monday at the Youth Awards Luncheon, we learned that Landon Via, sponsored by the Alamance Battleground Chapter, won Third Place in the Poster Contest.  We participated in the Congress and Banquet Color Guard events, Business Meeting, Council of State Presidents Meeting, tours and various breakfasts and Lunches. A nice collection of Awards and steamers were presented and will be presented to the Chapters at our Board of Managers Meeting in August. A wonderful event hosted by a great team in California.