Festival of Nations 2007 was a fantastic success. Held August 25-26 in Tower Grove Park, the festival drew 75,000 newcomers and long-timers; young and old – and every age between! Mouth-watering ethnic food competed for center stage along with a colorful cultural kaleidoscope of dance and music. Tell us about your favorite events; offer suggestions about additions or changes you’d like to see. This is your chance to speak out – please!

My most recent immigrant family member is my mom who was born in Japan. More than 50 years ago, she married my dad, an American serviceman stationed in Japan during the Korean War. I was born there, and we all came to the US in 1952. We moved from air base to air base so there wasn’t time to attend English classes – even if they existed. But she was luckier than many immigrants. Since my father spoke Japanese fluently, he could teach her some English and help orient her. But he was busy, and he died when I was just a child. Today, even after 50 years, she can struggle with English, especially when under pressure. I think integration is never easy; it’s just different from generation to generation.