The “orphans of Greece” return to their families 70 years later – How the industry of illegal adoptions was set up after the Civil War

In the 1950s, Greece was reeling from the impacts of the Occupation and the Civil War. During this tumultuous time, a childless American couple adopted an eight-month-old baby girl from the Athens Infant Hospital. Her biological mother was unknown, with the couple informed that she likely perished during childbirth.

This adoption was organized intentionally, spearheaded by a Greek priest, two lawyers, and the Parents of Greek Orphans (POGO) organization. Around 70-90 Greek children were adopted during this period, particularly to families in San Antonio and nearby areas in Texas.

The adoptive parents, James and Ruth Forrest, were transparent about her background. They revealed her adoption story when she was just two years old, sharing that her birth name was Happiness. Linda Carroll Forrest, the little girl from Greece, was fortunate; her parents provided her with love, security, and a nurturing environment as their only child. She later enjoyed a happy marriage with Bob Trotter, with whom she had two children, Heather and Justin.