[July 4th]

Great article, and very true about the Polish-American bond as well.

A side story about our relationship with them: I'm from Milwaukee, which has quite a few Poles - many with immediate family back in Poland. I have an aunt who was the first generation of her family to be born in America in the early 60's. She wrote her grandparents numerous letters, and each time she would plead for them to come to America any way that they could. They always said no. Finally, in the early 90's, both grandparents were convinced to visit.

On the drive back to Milwaukee from O'Hare, they stopped to grab a few things at a large supermarket. The grandparents went in to the store, and their jaws dropped. They immediately asked, "Can anyone buy this food?" which was soon followed by "Without any stamps, or rations?" After they heard the answer, they started to cry. I think it was at that point they finally realized the power of freedom.

[M. Peach]

I was married to a Cuban woman whose 50 year old uncle made his first visit here from Havana. He had the same reaction when he went into a supermarket. He was about 95 pounds and he had tears in his eyes. He couldn't believe all of the food we had available here to us.

It made me realize how much we take for granted here. When he talked about Cuba - he whisperered as if someone was going to report him....

[Slyfox]

I often think of how lucky we are to have our grocery stores.

[ffusco]

Thank you for reminding us of the superiority of our way of life and much gratitude toward our Polish Friends. Polish Americans have always been "salt of the earth" IMHO.