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An Alumni - ASMer shares his thoughts ...
March 11th,
2004 ... the news over the radio ... tragic sounds to my ears ... on
my daily commute to work. I felt POWERLESS ... into downtown Miami
... many miles away from a place I once roamed FREE without fears,
when I was young in a "town" called Madrid.
Yes, it is true that while growing in Spain may of us many have been
exposed to Military Coups, a few "minor" bombings --- the
day (July 18th 1980) of my arrival to Madrid, Spain there was a
drive by car bomba a few streets from our hotel, and the largest was
the Swiss Airways in Plaza Espana in early 80's --- but these,
although tragic had a different focus - military and/or government
related --- it was NOT directed to the general public.
I was transported back in time. I saw myself, a 10th grader, in a
"new" country. Early morning, walking to the nearest train
station from our piso in the city. Taking the train just a couple of
stations over, what an adventure. Just to wait for ASM's bus # 10 as
it approach Avenida de las Americas. A nice pleasant ride through
the city into Aravaca, destination - ASM.
All I could think was about the hundreds of boys and girls that day
after day have a similar pattern, not just in Madrid, Spain - on
their way to school, to ASM --- but, all over the world.
Our
youth, our children --- looking forward to an education, to hang out
with friends, to play sports - they too, have the right to that
FREEDOM, that many of us have experienced. And now as a parent, I
want to feel the same "trust" our parents felt for our own
safety. It's getting harder, day after day.
The GoLancers.COM and ASM Alumni hearts go out to the ASM Community
and to all those in Madrid, Spain that at one point or another may
have crossed our paths - maybe it was the worker at the Dannon
yogurt factory that would give me a "free" yogurt every
morning as I entered the train station on my way to school, or the
bar tender at Saxo's that would give me a nice cold Mahou on a
Friday or Saturday early evening, or the gypsy that would say good
morning / good afternoon on my way to / from the American Embassy.
May God watch over ALL - student, faculty, alumni, staff, and
parents.
As alumni, I would like for all those future graduates and future
alumni to continue to treasure, no matter where they may find
themselves, many years from now --- your day's in Madrid, Spain ---
at ASM. I know I did, I know I continue to do so.
We reunited in 2001 for ASM's 40th Anniversary and Lancers 1st
Alumni Reunion.
Let's keep the DREAM alive ...the 50th is just around the corner !!!
And ASM, the Alumni and GoLancers.COM will be there !!!
Un fuerte abrazo -
Agustin (Gus) L. Gonzalez
Class of 1983
Decade Liaison '80's
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