25 Aug 1942, Rev. Buuck's autobiographical notes

((Date approximate. On a map of the voyage there's the note "Docked at Jersey City August 25, 1942"))

The completion of our two month voyage, ending in freedom, was drawing near. As the New York skyline came faintly into view we began to see many many ships loaded with the implements of war headed for Europe, a reminder that war was still being waged. Now the thrill of a lifetime - on a beautiful morning our ship moved majestically past the Statue of Liberty, bringing tears of joy to all of us who had wondered if we would ever see this sight. Unfortunately, we were so busy telling our children about the meaning of this event that we missed a ceremony at the ship’s bow.

In the afternoon the F.B.I. men gathered around the table with us to review the questionnaire, a pleasant meeting which did not last long. We were glad our name began with a “B” which put us at the head of a number of lists. Also on this day we were given letters from home by Dr. Brand, the Mission Executive Secretary, here to meet us.

As we were admiring the tall buildings with their many lights we had a few anxious moments when the lights all around us began to go off. We were told that this was an air raid, something which did not make us feel very safe after the experiences of Hong Kong; actually it was only a drill.