The Yorktown-Zweibrücken Student Exchange Program in 2008 is marking its thirtieth year of international, cultural, academic and personal sharing experiences. For the 25th anniversary in 2003, the York County Historical Committee received correspondence from dozens of past participants who fondly remember their time in the program. We welcome such letters at any time! Besides the establishment of lasting personal relationships, participation in the exchange program has led many alumni to modify their formal education choices to study political science, history or government administrations. At the very least the program has helped keep alive an interest in the common history of the two communities, for chaperones as well as students. There have been many bridges built across the Atlantic during the past 30 years, and many participants have kept in touch. Second generations are participating – the daughter of a York County woman who went on the first trip in 1978 has been selected for the 2008 exchange. A German-speaking tour guide at a local museum visited on a field trip turned out to be a former York High School teacher who was the chaperone in the program’s first year. A Zweibrücken teacher who served as chaperone in 2005 had been a student in the 1990 delegation from the high school where he now teaches. The 2007 group held the distinction of having two sets of twins (boys from Zweibrücken and girls from Yorktown), and one German student was the third person in her family to take part, following in the footsteps of her older sister and brother.

There are many such stories from the past 30 years, and here are quotes from letters received from four past participants – the first three German and the fourth American: “I had a wonderful time in the US and still remember many things we did, saw and participated in. During our stay, the Bicentennial was going on, and I was very amazed about all the things that were going on. President Reagan was one of the celebrities that I was able to see during my stay. Just sitting here writing this e-mail brings back so many fond memories that I wish I could be 16 again.” “Friendship, sharing good times and sometimes hard times together has been one of the most valuable assets I've or we've experienced with our American friends. Being able to keep up with many of them for over 20 years now, makes me very happy.” “The time I spent in Yorktown and the positive experience I made over there definitely influenced my life in a positive way. Spending time abroad changed my perspective on many issues. I have also learnt much about my own country by getting to know the USA and people from all around the world.” “I was in the 2002 exchange. I feel the exchange gave me a broader view of the rest of the world through meeting people of many nationalities while in Zweibrücken. I found the people to be very kind, giving and eager to share with us. I had the most wonderful experience there.”

In 2008 the Yorktown-Zweibrücken Student Exchange celebrates its 30th anniversary. Once again the Historical Committee would like to hear from the hundreds of York County and German students and teachers who have traveled overseas with this program. Of particular interest is hearing from participants who have kept in touch with people they met through this program. The Historical Committee also would appreciate assistance in reaching relatives, friends, colleagues and classmates who have moved from the area.

York County Historical Committee

P.O. Box 1345

Yorktown, VA 23692