Canopies

In August, 1946, I found myself on a luxury liner on my way to Yokohama, Japan. The cabins of the SS Monterey were filled with over 400 women and children of US Servicemen who had been deployed to serve in the Occupation forces following the surrender of Japan in World War II. This is an account of that voyage and the nearly two and a half years I spent there with my husband and two small daughters. In flashback, memories of childhood in the late 20's and early 30's on a wheat farm on the windswept plains of eastern New Mexico are recalled. The impact and devastation of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression are touched upon. Returning to the United States, we were shocked at the many changes.. By the time we landed in Seattle, the decision had been made to leave the Army behind. We were looking forward to our new baby girl. In civilian life we became students at a southwestern University on the GI Bill. Only youth and optimism saw us through."e;