Reply #9: Well, yes and no.

[Maat]

My relatives gradually came over on boats since the 1600's (I'm Heinz-57-varieties).

Our predecessors came over, but, Gee, they certainly faced some hardships I wouldn't have wanted to face.

None of mine ended up in a concentration camp, however. I'm glad we have "Oscar" to talk to (the gentleman at my church; he showed me the tatoo on his hand - from the camp).

Many of my German-American relatives actually fought in WWII against Hitler et al. I remember my "Uncle Bob" talking about it.

Hey, Elshiva, my paternal grandmother, born in 1895, was a real "20's flapper." Wore her hair that way until she died in 1975 at 80. Most independent woman I've ever met - and she essentially raised my sister and I (my parents had other things to do - like drink). I had them through my teens, basically, and then I met Hubby, and he's taken care of me since. I'm independent, but I sure have been glad for the support.