Hello Austin cousins, What follows was written for another listserve, in response to a request to send war time reminiscences. I thought you Austin's might enjoy it, as it is our line. I suspect some of my Austin ancestors fought (or at least paid someone to fight!) those dratted British - have a wonderful INDEPENDENCE day. ----------------- My story is less heroic than funny. My grandfather was on MacArthur's staff and set up the environmental laws in post-war Japan. Apparently they are some of the laws that have survived most intact to the present day. While their father was involved in the reconstruction of Japan, my father and uncle spent years there as children. At one point they were commandeered to be in a play group with Akihito, the current emporer, so he could learn American 'things' and gain familiarity with some American children. They also remember their strong dislike of Arthur MacArthur, the general's son, who was chauffered about everywhere. Some time after arriving in Japan (errrr....it may have been Guam - I can't remember!) an American school was organized and one morning the two boys were picked up by a bus. My father sat in the front seat. A few stops later an arrogant boy got on and demanded that my father move, pulling rank by announcing, "My father's a Colonel!" My father retorted, "Well my father is an ORNITHOLOGIST!" The belligerant young fellow was not sure what that meant, and rather than betray his ignorance retreated ignimoniously to the back of the bus. My father continued his front seat ride for the rest of the school year. For anyone interested, my grandfather was Dr. Oliver L. Austin Jr. Happy July 4th! Valerie Austin