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CoventryRI
HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
The early years of World War II brought about enormous destruction and calamity for Great Britain. In 1940, a massive air raid took place in Coventry, England, reducing the city to rubble. When news of the disaster reached here, a local effort was organized to send aid to the city which is the namesake for our town. As the war drew to a close, the rebuilding process began across Europe. Because of our ethnic diversity, other communities across the country made similar efforts to help in this rebuilding process. Years later, these endeavors would bring about a relationship with our sister city which would branch out to other countries and bring about an international understanding among the people of these countries on a person-to-person basis.
During the post-war era, some of the European countries began sister-city organizations; their goal was to heal and repair the personal damage created by the war. In the summer of 1970, the Lord Mayor of Coventry, England visited Coventry, Connecticut and Coventry, Rhode Island to initiate a cultural relationship between his city and the two towns. What evolved from this visit was the beginning of the "Coventry Friendship Link". This new beginning brought about not only an opportunity for American and European people to travel to different countries, but it has built friendships and relationships that have lasted through the years. In 1975, the first group of visitors from Coventry, England arrived for a two week visit. They were hosted by Rhode Island families. In 1976 a reciprocal visit was made when the first group of Americans, 135 in all, went to Coventry, England for two weeks and were hosted by English families. Thus, the first cycle of the Coventry Friendship Link was completed. This cycle of exchanges has continued to this day.
The following year brought about a visit once again from England. In conjunction with this visit was the tricentennial celebration taking place in the town of East Greenwich. As part of the celebration, a parade was planned and the Coventry Friendship Link was invited to take part. A float was quickly designed and put together with a combined English and American effort. Also, as a result of this visit, the first spurt of growth for the link materialized. It was suggested that a Scout link be formed between the sister cities. A spin off from Coventry Troop 11 was formed and became Troop 76, specifically as an exchange Scout link with Coventry, England.
The next few years brought about more growth and change. The formation of a school link with Rotherham, England began in 1979, and in 1981, a soccer team traveled along with our adult link from England. Thanksgiving 1983 brought us a new challenge. A marching band, the Coventry Drum Corp, from Coventry, England would be performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. As part of their visit to the United States, the band members traveled to Coventry, Connecticut and Coventry, Rhode Island to perform for their sister cities. Once again, local families opened their homes and made the children and their chaperones welcome. In the spring of 1984, the Sydney Stringer School, a school of dramatic arts, arrived for a visit and a pantomime performance of Cinderella. This theatrical group consisted of 30 children and 21 adults. In August of the same year, our adult link traveled to England. As part of this visit, four of our members traveled to Meschede, West Germany to establish the beginnings of our second link and sister-city. Coventry, England and Meschede formally established their sister-city relationship in 1963 to bring English and German people together to overcome the animosities created by the war. It is through this English-German relationship that we were able to establish our second link. The first official exchange with Meschede began in 1985 when a combined group of English and German guests arrived. In 1986 our adult link visited England, and for the first time, Meschede. During the visit, the people of Meschede were celebrating the twentieth anniversary of their "Freunde der Volkerbegegnung", which is the name of their organization. At this celebration there were representatives from England, France, Poland, Russia and their newest link, the United States. At this time the initial contact was made for a possible link with Vannes, France.
The 1990's have brought about a new link and the possibility of future growth. In 1991, two visitors from Vannes accompanied the German guests on their visit here. Unfortunately due to economic reasons, our friends from England were not able to come. Our French and German guests visited for three weeks, and in 1992, an American group visited Meschede and for the first time, Vannes. The exchanges between Meschede and Vannes have continued since that time. The group plans on making its first visit to England next year.
Through the years this organization has brought together many people both here and abroad. It has given us a better understanding of the people of other countries and their culture. It has also helped our European counterparts to understand our American culture. It has brought us together as Americans and has produced friendships among our own group as well as with Europeans. Not only have friendships been made, marriages have resulted. In 1985, the first link baby was born.
The Coventry Friendship Link is an experience to be enjoyed by all, and is available to anyone interested in establishing new friendships locally and internationally. It is a unique non-political organization which has grown through the hard work of many people and, in so doing, has also been a great enjoyment for all of us. It has given us opportunities and memories to last a lifetime, including the growing pains which go along with any worthwhile endeavor. Our future depends on joint efforts for the continuation of our present links and the possibility of forming new links. We have learned much along the way and look forward to the future.
(written by Norma Smith, Secretary, June 1997)