Local Military Family Holds 50th Annual Reunion

Generations came together as the Brannan family held its 50th annual family reunion in Pasadena on Saturday.

The Brannan family has a long-standing tradition of military service. Members of the family have served in conflicts dating back to WWII. The reunion focused on honoring the service of family members.

"The event itself is an ongoing preparation every single year," said Ken Brannan. "We start at the end of the year preparing for the next year. This particular year, because it was of significance in the 50th...we have a lot of military service in our family, and so it was our idea to honor those family members who had served in the military."

"It's not only signifiant because it's a great privilege to honor people in the military, but it's also profoundly humbling," Brannan said. "My brother and I were going through the list of relatives and their service and reflecting on what people did. We have an admiral, we have two captains in the Navy, we have Air Force aviators...they're significant contributors to the military."

"They acheived a level of leadership," added Brannan.

"I think I've been at all of (the reunions,)" said Pat Brannan, who served in the Air Force working on jet engines since 1953. "I can't remember any that I missed!"

Pat Brannan, who lives in Altoona, Pa., said that he appreciated that the event was held in Pasadena.

"It gives you a chance to get out of the city," he said.

Military service helps bind the Brannan family together, even for those members who haven't considered serving themselves.

"My grandpa was in the service," said Ellen Galinskie, who's gone to every reunion that's taken place since she was born. "I did not consider service, but my cousins are in it along with a lot of my friends."