GREENSBORO N.C. -
It took 25 years, but Janice Johnsen has righted a wrong.
While vacationing in Rome years ago, she and her husband Mike picked up a stone near the coliseum and brought it home as a souvenir.
It's a crime that won't land you on "Cops" or "America's Most Wanted," but it is illegal to "export ancient artifacts," according to Italian law.
"I've been bothered by fact (we) took something didn't belong to us," said Johnsen.
So recently, she boxed up the stone and returned it to its home land.
"Dear sirs, I'm returning a stone my husband and I picked up as a spontaneous souvenir by the coliseum in Rome 25 years ago," read the letter enclosed with the stone.
Rock pilfering by tourists is common in Rome, but also illegal.
Although the letter was unsigned, Janice put her return address on the box.
She hopes her gesture will inspire others to do what's right regardless of the consequences.
"The bottom line is it's the principle, it didn't belong to us (so) we gave it back."
While vacationing in Rome years ago, she and her husband Mike picked up a stone near the coliseum and brought it home as a souvenir.
It's a crime that won't land you on "Cops" or "America's Most Wanted," but it is illegal to "export ancient artifacts," according to Italian law.
"I've been bothered by fact (we) took something didn't belong to us," said Johnsen.
So recently, she boxed up the stone and returned it to its home land.
"Dear sirs, I'm returning a stone my husband and I picked up as a spontaneous souvenir by the coliseum in Rome 25 years ago," read the letter enclosed with the stone.
Rock pilfering by tourists is common in Rome, but also illegal.
Although the letter was unsigned, Janice put her return address on the box.
She hopes her gesture will inspire others to do what's right regardless of the consequences.
"The bottom line is it's the principle, it didn't belong to us (so) we gave it back."
