AMERICA, AMERICA

 Early November, 1961

Williamsburg, Virginia

On a Saturday evening...Michael, Steven, Jeffrey, Patrick, Scott and I checked into a Holiday Inn after a long drive from Odessa, Texas...this trip began a new, exciting chapter in our lives. 

 

After nine years of marriage and four sons, M had just been accepted for active duty with the United States Army Transportation Corps. 

 

We were ecstatic with the opportunity to be near Williamsburg...the history in that place is awesome.  The chills and thrills of being there, of 'going back in time' to think of how America was conceived and born!

 

Yankee Doodle went to town and the founding father's met, cussed and discussed...convened and voted for our independence. 

 

Our family took in all that history and are thrilled with it, to this day!  How blest we were to spend two years in that area. 

 

Along with the many people we met were Sara and Larry who became our closest, dearest friends.  When Michael was flown away our fourth day there...Larry and Sara stepped up and became our rocks...our loving caregivers!  We all adored each other from the get-go.

 

 



Michael was assigned to Ft. Eustis but we sometimes ventured over to Langley for a dinner treat...apparently Snoopy and Woodstock dropped in occasionally, as well.  Ah, some of the best times!  Bit of trivia...M's commanding officer's last name was Michael...how 'bout that co-incidence?  One of many!

 

 ******

January, 1963

Kifissia, Greece

 

After spending two years where American history began...Michael, Steven, Jeffrey, Patrick, Scott and I flew out of New York City...landed in Athens, Greece and checked into The American Club in Kifissia. 

 

We stepped back in time from the infancy of America to the infancy of the 'old world'...we'd never imagined that would be in our future.  The lessons learned have been first hand...as precious jewels of love for country...love for understanding different cultures!

 



 

Michael was attached to a Terminal Unit in Piraeus...why not?  After all, he was a water transportation specialist so...we were usually near water.  And what beautiful water it is...an indescribable blue...sparkling...oh wow!  Occasionally we went to the beach which was a tad of an experience concerning the lack of clothing, shall I say?

 

Such a wonderful time to live in Greece...the best of times.  King Constantine was still on the throne...as a matter of fact, Michael was presented to him prior to our departure in December 1965.  M was the first American to be assigned to Viet Nam from Greece...and King Constantine wanted to meet him.  Whoop-di-doo!  

 

Side note: We had to read up on Viet Nam because hardly anyone there was familiar with what was going on; very early in the war at that time!

 

With time, Colonial Williamsburg has changed; what once was such a peaceful place has been transformed by progress.  But still a lumps in the throat plus goose-bumps watching the short film, 'Story of a Patriot'...starring none other than Jack Lord, the original star of Hawaii Five-O!  Book 'em, Danno! 

 

Sadly, Greece has also changed; what once was such a peaceful place has been transformed by politics and financial breakdown.  Even so, it's thrilling to read of the history...look at pictures of the Parthenon...Mars Hill...the Agora!

 

Our impressive adventures are history; since then we've witnessed many monumental changes/events...and I believe we may witness more! 

 

I plan to be sincerely fervent concerning the following words...I believe it is most worthwhile to think on these things:

 

  America was founded by people who believed

that God was their rock of safety. He is ours.

I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that

God is on our side, but I think it's all right

to keep asking if we're on His side.

 

RONALD REAGAN, State of the Union Address, Jan. 25, 1984

Last and certainly not least...I'm a sentimental, patriotic American...and I shed tears of joy and pride every single time I sing, read, hear our national anthem...or think of the words...

America, America; God shed His grace on Thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea!
 

                      

Happy Birthday, America!

 

From my happy heart...to yours,

Vasca