The phrase
”
I’ll never forget that
”
is tossed around so very causally these days. And all too often
we in fact do forget those moments that we swore to never let
escape our memory.
The phrase “I’ll never forget that” is tossed around so very causally these days. And all too often we in fact do forget those moments that we swore to never let escape our memory.
Sitting in Takko-machi, Japan, this evening I can say with absolute certainly that I will never forget the moments that made up the Gilroy High School Choir Alumni Tour. Forever etched among my fondest memories are the sights of the choir members being greeted by school children enthusiastically waving American flags, Mayor Yoshinori Matsuhashi advising the Takko host families that when all other communication fails, smile and smile again, the astonishment on the faces in the crowd as Melanie Nelson hit the highest of notes during her solo in the choir’s performance of Keep Your Hand on the Plow, and the traditional Japanese dance and drum performance put on by the Takko High School students.
In the forefront of all those memories will be the morning that tears were shed by all as the choir and their families said goodbye to their host families, their friends and the little town that has become such a huge part of their lives.
Having arrived in Takko only four weeks ago myself, I was just getting into a routine when the choir arrived. I was anxious, excited, and a bit worried. The arrival of a group of 28 singers and 10 family members is a big event for this town of just about 8,000 people. Their upcoming performance had been talked about for months and their host families had gone to great lengths to ensure their stay would be comfortable.
Having heard they would host Aimee Hepner Saul, her husband Glen Saul and their infant son Gage, the Chiba Family went so far as to buy and set up a crib.
“We were astonished when we saw the crib,” Glen Saul said. “They even bought toys for Gage. They made sure we felt right at home.”
Through a translator Mrs. Chiba said she looked forward to staying in touch with the Saul family and asked them to think of her as Gage’s Japanese grandmother.
Watching the host families and the members from the choir come together, overcoming language barriers and sharing laughs, I was a reminder of just how important it is to reach out beyond our own community and into others, even those an ocean away.
The experience gained in Takko will become a lesson in friendship that each person takes back to his or her family and friends. In a time when we find our nation struggling to maintain a positive image in the world, and as cultural difference create divisions, misunderstandings, and stoke global conflict, it is reassuring to see everyday people from two nations that at one point engaged in the most tragic forms of culture clash come together as a family.
As Lucio Ortiz said, “I have been welcomed into the Yamazaki family’s home twice now, each time as if I were member of the family. So I now feel I must introduce myself as Lucio Ortiz Yamazaki.”
Many from Takko and Gilroy share that sentiment.
Twenty years ago, visionary leaders from these two wonderful communities came together to sign a document officially designating Takko-machi and the City of Gilroy as sister-cities. On that April afternoon in 1988, there was more then just a signing – those leaders planted seeds.
Over the ensuing 20 years, the people of Gilroy and of Takko have cultivated those seeds into a strong, vibrant, and truly astonishing friendship. A cornerstone of that friendship has been the music of the Gilroy High Choir and its director Phil Robb. Choir members representing all six previous trips to Japan returned to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
That’s another thing I will never forget. Let us all work to ensure many more anniversaries to come!
