To the editor:
Recently, I had been watching the World Cup soccer games with great interest, and like others, enjoyed the music, singing and sheer delight of the Tartan Army in Boston — kilts and all.
A week or so ago, while doing my laundry at Village Plaza, a couple seemed to be having some difficulty with the washing machine. So I approached them and asked if I could help. When they turned around, I was thrilled to see from their shirts that Scotland and the Tartan Army had indeed arrived in Marblehead. After getting quarters and placing their wash in the machine, we decided to get a cold drink at DD ( what’s more American than that?). When our laundry was done, I offered to take them on a driving tour of our historic town.
What a joyous afternoon I had with John and Lucy Green! We drove by Devereux Beach and the Causeway, stopped at Castle Rock where John immediately started his climb up to that ocean perch. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon with perfect breezes from the ocean. Next, we went to Chandler Hovey Park where we enjoyed that spectacular harbor view. Everyone we met spoke enthusiastically to John and Lucy with comments like, “Welcome to town” and “So glad you’re here!”
We then drove through Old Town where I pointed out landmarks that might fit into their stay, like Crocker Park, Old Town House, Fort Sewell, Redds Pond and the nearby Gen. Glover burial site. I showed them the Marblehead Museum and its new Brick Kitchen and Slave Quarters. Clearly, there’s much to see here in a few days!
John and Lucy commented on the true harmony and spirit of the World Cup fans to support each other, even in defeat. They also shared how welcoming Americans were to them in Boston and in every place they’d been. It made me think, yes, Americans do reach out freely to help a newcomer or stranger. The workings of our government may not always be what we’d like, but the kindness and support of the American people cannot be denied.
Recently, while walking up to Crocker Park, I noticed a bright orange cone applied to a statue there. Ah, clear evidence that the Tartan Army had been in Marblehead!
Ann McGreevy
Prospect Street
