Emilio, Zolanda, Rick

My wife, Zolanda, and myself, along with my two children, Allessandro (Rick) and Laura arrived in Halifax. Rick was nine years old and Laura was a year and seven months. We arrived December 25, 1956 aboard the ship, Saturnia, an Italian ship, after a long, turbulent voyage.

My family and myself are natives of Genova, Italy and we were supposed to have left from Genova. Unfortunately, with the sinking of the Andrea Doria in the summer of 1956, our departure was moved to Naples, Italy with the Saturnia. The departure was one of the most horrid and disorganized experiences we have ever had to endure. It truly seemed as though they were embarking animals onto the ship and not passengers that had paid the full amount for their voyage. I am telling you all this because when we landed in Halifax the welcome was most kind and wonderful from the Canadian Authorities. They even had gifts ready for all the children on board. A paradise after having come from the Hell of Naples!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I knew immediately that we had found our Home Land!

Emilio Poggi