Ashford Reunion

The Ashford Reunion has come and gone and the general consensus was that it went well. One highlight for me was hearing my cousin, Buck Ashford, tell stories relating to his father, Admiral William Ashford. He said that on two different occasions, two different Japanese men on hearing his last name and learning of his relationship to the admiral, told him how graciously and generously they had been treated in the weeks following their surrender after World War 2. One told him they had expected to be shot, but were treated with courtesy instead. The other told of food shortages his family experienced that were helped by the admiral purposely always having more food at their meetings than they could eat so that he could have some to take home. This was especially gratifying to hear after reading "Overthrow", the book Reid gave me that makes it sound like the United States has never done anything right in foreign relations. Another highlight was having Emilie here with me. She added much to my enjoyment and was so helpful. I can't count how many relatives told me how lovely she was and how they enjoyed meeting her. She and I discussed ways to make Connected Importants keep us better connected, and decided a discussion of controversial subjects might be one way. I will soon be introducing my subject so stay tuned. Fill free to introduce your own.



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