Memories of Bucharest The Shaws: 1962-1964 My name is John G. Shaw, son of John (Jack) P. Shaw, former Deputy Chief of Mission, Bucharest, Romania. I was invited to write a short story of our memories, in Bucharest, Romania. I thank you, current students and staff, and former students and staff. I, my sister Marian, and my brother Tim, were among the first students at the American School in Bucharest. Bill and Barbara Crawford started this school, along with my father, Jack Shaw, and several other diplomats. I also invited my older brothers Paul, and Mark, to contribute to 8
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this story. I also reached out to Mark Taplin (now Deputy Chief of Mission-US Embassy, Paris), and Billy Cooper (Counselor at US Embassy in Paris). They also were among the first students at this school. Life in Romania was difficult, in 1962. Our supplies were limited to what was flown in, and what we could get. Here is a quote from my brother Paul: “I remember the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. I was 12 and the US Embassy was stormed by demonstrators. Dad’s car was rocked by student demonstrators as he drove to the Embassy. He was ultimately rescued by the Romanian militia.” Paul goes on to say how he
WINTER EDITION 2011