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People to People Ambassador trip to Europe

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Contributed by: Nita & John Le Van on 7/17/2006

Our Grandson Casey Cooter, back row, third from the right, red shirt, recently returned from a two week trip to Europe and France with the People to People Ambassador Program, started in 1956 by President Eisenhower. It has been dedicated to the mission of promoting world peace. Ambassador's are selected through national academic listings through colleges and universities, to find outstanding applicants, as well as recommendations from teachers and school administrators. They must submit letters of recommendation and participate in an interview with local delegation leaders to gain acceptance into the program. Students who are selected to serve as Student Ambassadors participate as members of a 30 to 40 student delegation from their local region of the United States. Casey was part of the fifth and sixth grade students selected in Colorado, from the Pueblo, Colorado Springs area.

Highlights of the trip in Paris, was the Nortre-Dame cathedral, Disneyland Paris, the Musee du Louvre, which included a look at Leonardo's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. They visted the Eiffel Tower, enjoyed a cruise along the Seine, and other sites. In Caen France, they got to explore the Chateau de Versailles, where the group picture was taken.

This was built during the reign of Louis XIV, and they saw the private chambers of Sun King. From 1682 to 1789 the Chateau was the seat of the royal court until 1789, when the French Revolution put an end o the monarchy. Their next stop was Caen, where they toured the events of WW2, including the coast of Normandy, the actual location of the D-Day Landings of Omaha and Utah beaches. The movie Saving Private Ryan was filmed here.

They were able to visit the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. When asked why he only took one picture, Casey replied, "It just didn't seem right, it was a sacred place."

They then boarded the overnight ferry to England on the English Channel. In Oxford, England they visted the mysterious, prehistoric site of Stonehenge, part of which dates back to 3000 BC.

They also visited England's oldest university founded in 1167, and Christ Church College, a location used in the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Other sites were the Royal Baths discovered in 860 BC., and a medieval castle which William the Conqueror fortified in 1068. They also visited the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Their last stop was in London, England, exploring the Science Museum and Natural History Museum.

They recieved a true honor when they met a former Member of Parliament. They explored the Tower of London, which was completed in 1097, and cruised the River Thames. The final day was an orientation of the WWII Cabinet War Rooms where Sir Winston Churchill's underground headquarters during World War 2. It now houses the Crown Jewels. They then went to Buckingham Palace to view the Changing of the Guard, followed by a ride on the London Eye, the largest Ferris wheel in the world.

They kept journals and had study assignments, and those who completed them, will receive college credit for the trip. These trips are indeed an honor, and we are very proud of Casey, for making this astounding trip.

John and Nita Le Van-Pine, Co.

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

Submitted By: Karen Groves

posted on 7/17/2006 @ 9:29:47 AM

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What a terrific trip for an excellent reason.

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Submitted By: Nita & John Le Van

posted on 7/16/2006 @ 4:10:51 PM

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What a wonderful program, perhaps the world will become a more peaceful place, if more kids join.

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Nita & John Le Van

Pine

Nita & John Le Van has posted 6 stories and 5 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. Nita & John Le Van's average story rating is 5.

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