Well Volks,

It is Friday, and labor day weekend in the US, and for some time I thought
this might be an appropriate day to say some thanks.

My (our) thanks go to all the Vanagon professionals who participate on the
list and help us in so many ways.  All you folks who have repair shops or
are parts vendors, or usually some combination are giving freely to the
group.   Your experience and expertise is so very useful to the rest of us.
I see constant advice to us poor Vanagon junkies, we love our Vans and your
help provides a great service to us as we are distributed around the world.
And you take calls from us when we are broken down on the road (I was once
the beneficiary of such a call).  And you advance the state of understanding
Vanagons by learning new techniques, create better parts, set up web sites
with great information and pictures, you find parts when we would not know
how, and share your experience on the best ways to repair things and how to
best maintain these terrific vehicles.

I decided I would not try to list all the professionals who contribute, we
all know who you are, and the possibility of omitting someone may be a
woeful disservice which could overwhelm the meaning of a thank-you letter.
The important thing is that I worry that sometimes you might think your
contributions are under appreciated, and that your labors for the Vanagon
cause are taken for granted.  Please rest assured that we highly value your
advice and help, and see you as leaders in the group.

Well, that is enough.  Thanks again to all you Vanagon professionals with
repair shops, parts shops.  It is just to make sure you understand that we
really appreciate what you do for the group.

Roland