Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!enterpoop.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.latimes.metro From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Author Proposes a Forgiving Thanksgiving Harmony: Inspired by a vision, Victor Villasenor is on a global Date: Thu, 26 Nov 92 11:27:52 EST Message-ID: Lines: 44 HEADLINE: Author Proposes a Forgiving Thanksgiving Harmony: Inspired by a vision, Victor Villasenor is on a global Publication Date: Wednesday November 25, 1992 BYLINE: LEE ROMNEY Seven weeks ago, acclaimed Oceanside author Victor Villasenor had a vision that went something like this: A gaggle of peaceful snow geese were squawking and squealing in a show of global harmony, guided by the spirit of Villasenor's Indian grandmother. It's not the type of vision most people act on. But Villasenor is not most people. Author of the well-regarded "Rain of Gold," which chronicles three generations of his Mexican family and their immigration to California, Villasenor put out the word that others should join him as "snow geese" and head for Spain to celebrate the first "Global Thanksgiving." About 40 people, most of them Villasenor's friends and relatives, took flight Tuesday morning from San Diego's airport, wearing matching snow goose sweat shirts designed by Villasenor's 16-year-old son. A group of Los Angeles teachers and American Indians from the Chicago area are expected to join them in Madrid. Three hours before sunset Thursday, the author and his followers plan to ritually forgive Columbus for invading the continent. Villasenor hopes his Snow Goose Project will catch on, drawing more and more participants abroad with messages of peace and worldwide togetherness. Even the king and queen of Spain are being lured to the event and have been sent copies of Villasenor's book, a painted snow goose and snow goose T-shirts. An embassy official said they may show up for the event, to be held in a Madrid park. With an eye toward the long haul, Villasenor, 52, said two major corporate sponsors have already expressed interest in helping out next year. The concept, like Villasenor's way of thinking, is somewhat fluid. But combine the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage with the traditional Thanksgiving notion of uniting in feast, throw in the legacy of a peaceful migratory bird and a desire to forgive the past This article is copyright 1992 The Los Angeles Times Home Edition. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM