Operation Identity was begun 25 years ago, according to written minutes and Sally File’s memories. It was one of the first adoption support groups in the nation, and is one of very few to have been in continual existence until the present. To commemorate this twenty-fifth anniversary, O.I. is planning several events, the first of which will he a picnic at Snow Park on Saturday, August 7th, from 4 to 7 p.m. Show Park is located on Indian School Road, between Moon and Eubank, across from Eubank Elementary School. We will he reserving the covered shelter at the southeast end of the park. The picnic will he a potluck. Bring chairs or blankets, food to share, and join us! We are hoping for a good crowd.

If you were a charter or early member of O.I., even if you have not attended meetings for a long time, we hope you and your family will come and share your memories of O.I. If you know of others who used to attend O.I., who may not still be on our mailing list, but who would like to come to the picnic, please let them know, and let us know. We have lost track of some folks.

Things may seem different now, with some states opening records for adult adoptees and searches being easier due to legal changes and more resources, such as the Internet. Many people do not know there are local support groups such as O.I., and some other groups are not designed for all triad members, so O.I. still serves an important purpose. Even those who have searched on their own can benefit from a live group of other adoption triad members. It’s also important for new members to hear the stories of others who searched and have been in reunion a long time.

And searches are not the end of the story. Long after the initial reunion, relationships continue to develop and change, and a support group is helpful in sharing experiences and offering support. There is no age limit, either—sometimes people search as soon as they are adults, or even as teenagers, while others are still searching, or just deciding to search, in retirement years.

O.I. has always also encouraged prospective adoptive parents to attend meetings, to become familiar with adoptees and birth parents, and with other adoptive parents. We invite adoptive parents, and prospective adoptive parents, to meetings, and to this celebration picnic.

Some may wish to bring grills for cooking hotdogs or hamburgers, and folding tables for serving food and for eating. Be sure to bring cameras, too, to record the fun! If you have any questions, call any of the O.I. officers.

Remember, it’s August 7th, 4-7 p.m., at Snow Park. See you there!