The immigration lessons from Gaetano, the stowaway in first class

The following concluding remarks were delivered by Francesco Isgro, President of the Italian American Museum of Washington DC, following the conclusion of the book launch "The Stowaway in First Class, a True Story of an Unforgettable Quest to Come to America."

As a point of privilege, I’d like to add some brief concluding remarks. I think that to fully appreciate Gaetano’s journey, we have to consider the historical backdrop of immigration to the US in the 1920s. After World War I there was a surge in nativist sentiments and a rise in anti-immigrant attitudes, particularly against Italians, which led to restrictive quota laws. While the specific legal frameworks have evolved since the 1920s, the fundamental human desires that drive people to leave their homes for a better future remain the same. The courage and resilience shown by Gaetano (and thousands of others) in facing the challenges of his journey echo in the experiences of countless immigrants who arrive in the US today.

Migrants today continue to face huge legal hurdles and delays as they navigate our complex immigration system. Social and cultural adaptation, language barriers and discrimination, remain significant obstacles to integration. Discrimination based on ethnicity, race, and national origin continues to be a reality for many immigrants.

Personal stories, such as in "Stowaway in First Class," play a vital role in humanizing historical events and complex social issues. These stories connect us with individual experiences on an emotional level, they foster empathy and bridge cultural divides. By sharing these stories, we can better understand the past and perhaps learn some lessons.

In conclusion, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to Anthony DeSantis for sharing his father's remarkable story. Tony’s dedication to documenting this personal journey has contributed greatly to our understanding of Italian American immigration history. Immigrant stories continue to shape and enrich our country, and by embracing our shared history, we can work toward a more welcoming and inclusive future for all newcomers to our nation.

We hope our museum can continue to provide a vital space for dialogue and reflection on the history of migration to the Washington, DC area and beyond.