Previous
Next
The Holland Family Reunion was a tremendous success! It was wonderful seeing so many family members come from places near and far to spend time with family.
For those who were unable to attend the reunion let me give you a recap. The reunion began on Friday, June 28th in the California BallRoom of the Piccadilly Airport Hotel. From the start you could hear bursts of laughter and shouts of joy from family member arriving, seeing each other again after many years.
As family members gathered the reunion began with a prayer from Lawrence Holland from the Emit R branch. The microphone was then passed to family members in attendance and they began to introduce themselves to the family. Many shared brief stories about their life path to many smiles and looks of tenderness which only family can give.
After the welcome reception family members went to the hospitality suite. At the hospitality suite family members told each other how far they travelled to attend the reunion. Some family members came from Minnesota, New Jersey, Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, along with various cities throughout California. The family then dined like in times of old in a packed room, in this case the hospitality suite on fried fish, sandwiches and other great eats.
On Saturday the Holland Family went to Oso de Oro Park in Fresno, CA to enjoy a beautiful day of picnic bliss. At the park everyone enjoyed reminiscing, playing balloon toss, dominoes, pinochle and more. The family was presented the family history which will be published on our website soon. We enjoyed eating some good BBQ chicken, ribs, hot links and vegetarian dishes.
There were many smiles, joy and bursts of laughter at the reunion. The reunion definitely felt like a recharging of the heart and mind. It was an atmosphere of love and many felt the presence of family members who had passed years ago. No one was judged, there was only love and gratefulness. Family members then danced to the music snapping their fingers and smiling. Many of the kids attending the reunion said they have never had so much fun in one day!
The family gathered to take a really impressive group picture which will be available to view and purchase on this website.
A few hours after the picnic ended we went to The Downtown Club. The family reunion committee presented Melvin & Bennie Holland with an award thanking them for hosting family reunions and gatherings over the past 50 years. Young adult members of the family were then recognized for their achievements. One goal of the Holland Family Reunion is to encourage and inspire our youth to achieve their goals.
Then there was dancing, more food and laughter and promises to see each other again in two years for the next Holland Family Reunion. It was an inspired weekend, a gift from God.
If any of you have pictures from the reunion you would like to share. Please email your photographs to millard@hollandreunion.net.