And Justice For All

Being an American citizen born outside the United States in the forties and fifties was pretty commonplace. World War II had taken its toll and influenced many people's lives; the war is over but not forgotten. Many servicemen encountered loneliness, displacement, and depression in their military leaves away from their country, families, and friends and found solace in the arms of beautiful, passionate, loving women in different countries all over the world. They started new lives, new families, and encountered numerous business opportunities in countries that suffered from the devastation of war. My father was one of the men who saw the needs of a country and the potential for development of natural resources with unlimited manpower. He saw the desire of an impoverished nation to improve the lives and existence of its countrymen. This is how my father ended up in the Philippines, met my mother and married her, and started a new family that included myself. My father's foresight into the potential of the Filipino people to be hardworking, industrious people––and the realization that this country could be industrialized and produce its own viable commodities that would enable the populations to have jobs and feed their families and become independent of the countries that had monopolized, manipulated, and created dependencies for years––was real. My father proved that this Filipino nation, when given an opportunity, could become an extremely productive nation that would become self–sufficient and be able to walk with pride. He taught a nation of people about self–worth and the rewards of hard work. His true plight did not occur until he had accomplished wealth, power, and recognition for being successful in industrializing the Philippines and creating jobs for millions of people. His insight into the needs of a country wallowing in poverty and the devastating effects and aftermath of war and his desire, foresight, intelligence, and energy to create employment for people who were eager to reconstruct and improve their lives was endless and rewarding for all. Having been born in the beginning phase of his business endeavors, I watched and rode the wave of his ascent to financial success with him and enjoyed, marveled, and was proud of who my father was and all of his accomplishments. I still am and will forever be proud of who my father was.

-- Susan Stonehill