×

Sharing our immigrant roots

Immigrants, legal or illegal, are much in the news these days. This has prompted me to think about my own ancestors’ experience as immigrants to this country.

I am the grandson of Italian immigrants who came from a village near Naples at the beginning of the 20th century. I am also the great grandson of Irish immigrants who came from Wexford and Londonderry during the mid 1800’s. They all came to America seeking better lives for themselves and their descendants. Many of them settled in central Pennsylvania where they found work on the railroads and in the lumber industry.

My father and his ten siblings, first generation Americans, became well educated.

They included two physicians, two pharmacists, three teachers, an architect, a nurse and a graduate of West Point. Four of them served in the armed forces during World War II in Europe and in Asia: three lieutenants and a captain, a recipient of the Bronze Star.

My generation, brothers and cousins, includes five teachers, a physician, two dentists, an attorney and a nurse.

My children’s generation includes two physicians, a teacher, a nurse and a development officer at the Kennedy Institute.

These and other relatives of mine have made and continue to make many contributions to their fellow citizens by their lives of service.

My family’s experience is not unique. There are probably hundreds of my cohorts who could tell similar stories. I humbly submit that we are all part of what has made and will continue to make America great.

Lawrence Grieco

Muncy

Submitted by E-Mail

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today