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An American Journey: From Ellis Island to the Great War

Jack London

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Published in The Long Way Home: An American Journey From Ellis Island To The Great War

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In the early 20th century, millions of immigrants from all over the world arrived in the United States through Ellis Island, the nation's busiest immigration station. Among them were my great-grandparents, who came to America from Italy in 1905.

The Long Way Home: An American Journey from Ellis Island to the Great War

by David Laskin

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2060 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	436 pages

My great-grandfather, Antonio, was a young man when he left his home village in southern Italy. He had heard stories about the land of opportunity across the ocean, and he was determined to make a better life for himself and his family.

My great-grandmother, Lucia, was only 16 years old when she married Antonio. She was a beautiful young woman with long, dark hair and piercing blue eyes. She was excited to start a new life in America, but she was also afraid of the unknown.

The voyage to America was long and difficult. The steerage class passengers were packed into crowded, unsanitary quarters. They were given little food and water, and they were often seasick. But Antonio and Lucia persevered, and they finally arrived in New York Harbor on July 4, 1905.

Ellis Island was a chaotic and confusing place. The immigrants were herded into long lines and subjected to a series of medical and bureaucratic inspections. Antonio and Lucia were both admitted to the United States, but they were separated from each other during the processing. They eventually found each other again, but it was a stressful and frightening experience.

After leaving Ellis Island, Antonio and Lucia settled in New York City's Little Italy neighborhood. They worked long hours in factories and sweatshops, but they were determined to make a good life for their family.

In 1914, the Great War broke out in Europe. Antonio and Lucia were both worried about their family and friends back in Italy. But they were also proud of their new country, and they wanted to do their part to support the war effort.

Antonio enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to fight in France. He was a brave soldier, and he fought in some of the war's bloodiest battles. He was wounded several times, but he survived the war and returned home a hero.

Lucia stayed home to care for their children. She worked tirelessly to support her family, and she volunteered her time to help the war effort. She knitted socks and sweaters for the soldiers, and she helped to raise money for the Red Cross.

The war had a profound impact on Antonio and Lucia. They had come to America for a better life, but they had also experienced the horrors of war. They were grateful to be alive, but they were also haunted by the memories of what they had seen.

After the war, Antonio and Lucia returned to New York City and continued to raise their family. They were proud of their accomplishments, and they were grateful for the opportunities that America had given them.

My great-grandparents' story is a testament to the American dream. They came to this country with nothing, but they worked hard and made a good life for themselves and their family. They were also proud to serve their country, and they made their own small contribution to the war effort.

I am proud to be their great-grandchild, and I am grateful for the sacrifices that they made for me and for my family.

The Long Way Home: An American Journey from Ellis Island to the Great War

by David Laskin

4.6 out of 5