Childhood Memories: My Dad

When I think back to my childhood memories of my father, I remember most his thirst

for learning, his reverence for books and the written word, and the way that he shared and

transmitted his commitment to knowledge. I picture my father sitting at the head of the

dinner table, my mother always seated to his right. Joining us would be companions

from many walks of life, scholars, diplomats, artists, students. My father would lead the

discourse on a topic of interest, often with historical and cultural roots. During the

conversation, he would call to me: “Justin, go get the Encyclopedia Britannica. Let’s

read about the medieval history of the Illyrian city of Dubrovnik.” Then we would read

aloud from the volume and carry on our discussion.

My father’s love of d...