Giuseppe Leone and M. Concetta Rossi

The Second World War was over and there was no employment. I felt I couldn't continue to work the land; it was a miserable life! I had thought of going to work in Chile, but then I found the road to Canada and I took it. I intended to stay only a few years (maybe 4 or 5) and I told my wife not to sell anything; to wait for my return. She didn't wish to leave her home and family.

Setting out for the voyage overseas on the Ts/s Atlantic from Naples on June 16th, 1951, I felt lost and insecure. I knew nothing of Canada; it's language and lifestyle. But the thought of my family gave me strength to cross the Atlantic. I vomited, especially when crossing the Suez Canal. I felt alone even though there were two families traveling from the same town. (F. ? and G. Maratta).

I was relieved when the Ts/s Atlantic docked at Pier 21 in Halifax twelve days later, on June 28th. The dangers of the sea were ended, but the unknown of the new country faced me. Fear and worries accompanied me during the 28-hour train ride from Halifax to Montreal. Through the window, I could see empty land and once in a while, a small country house with a car or two parked nearby.

When I arrived at the Montreal train station, my sponsor was not there. The train station was intimidating with its crowd, its business and the languages spoken. My courage waned; if I had had enough money in my pocket, I would have purchased a return ticket immediately.

Seven months later, I was resigned to staying in Canada permanently. The jobs were plentiful and I was determined to succeed in this new country. My first job was in Dorval, where I worked on the train tracks for a contractor from Vancouver. At night, I slept on the train. I took pride in whatever job I did and three months later, my boss asked me if I would move to Vancouver. I chose to remain in Montreal.

Two years later, I sent my wife a letter with a picture of myself, saying that if she didn't agree to join me in Canada, she would have only the picture of myself. I would not be returning to Italy. In order to afford one-way tickets for my family and a furnished home, I worked very hard at two jobs. My wife and three children arrived in Halifax on October 20th, 1953, on the Vulcania. Our fourth child emigrated later. In the summer of 1956, I requested and obtained Canadian citizenship for the family. Our Canadian born son was born on October 24th, 1959.

With hard work, sacrifice and determination, my family was reunited. I always tried to be a good Canadian citizen and have remained faithful to the country whose hospitality I have always appreciated and valued.