Celebrating Vern's 50 Years in America! | Landis Valley Museum Special Event

Being an event photographer is like being a fly on the wall during people’s most special days and, as you can imagine, it’s pretty darn amazing! Witnessing family members embrace and friends laugh and talk about old times is such an honor and so endearing and it forces me to reflect and be grateful for the family and friends I call my own. This particular event was especially special and unlike anything I’ve ever been asked to document- the celebration of a man’s 50 years in America! Born and raised in Germany, the guest of honor (and his childhood friend who was also present!) spoke humbly of what it was like living in a post-war, impoverished sector of Berlin, not knowing what kind future they had to look forward to. While the tale of such an elusive fate brought tears to many in the room, quickly those tears turned to laughs as he described arriving in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1966 as, “Just like today, it was hot and muggy and I felt like I was in the movie High Noon! Main street was totally empty and as I walked down the street, suitcase in hand, I thought, where are all the cowboys?! I fell in love with America then and I still love America.” And as the stories continued, it was very clear that this man is so very loved and very much admired. See? What an absolute treat for me to be in the company of so much love and appreciation!