(I also posted this on Facebook)
Many people of Jewish or European descent who immigrated to the United
States during World War II have been visiting that heritage as a touch
point for the current refugee crisis. My amazing grandfather, Albino
Freitas, came to this country from Madeira (an autonomous island of
Portugal) around around the time that the first world war (around 1913)
was beginning to break out in Europe.
While I grew up not thinking of him as a refugee, considering that he
was fleeing war, traveled by himself as a teenager through multiple
countries in Europe until getting on a fishing boat to America, and
showed up in New Bedford with no friends or family, I think he might
qualify as one. He had no papers, other than his cousin’s passport (or
so I was told), and eventually was granted citizenship/amnesty many
years later (clarification here welcome!).
Fortunately, in the immigrant (refugee?) community of New Bedford, there
were people to take him in, a place for him to sleep, and job for him to
do. It is upon these simple acts of compassion, and the dedication and
drive of my grandfather to make a new life, not to mention the freedom
he was given to do that, that the history of the Freitas side of my
family in America is built.
I also want to remember all of the Japanese-American friends, family and
neighbors who were unjustly interred during World War II. Growing up in
California, the shameful history of that act was ever present in my mind
and thankfully in our school education. The reference by some that this
was somehow something we should ever repeat is something we cannot allow
(though ICE detention centers are doing a pretty good job that without
many people noticing).
Finally, my life was undeniable enriched and influenced by all of my
high school and college friends of Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Hmong
and other South-East Asian descent, most of whom were refugees from the
wars and conflicts in the 60s and 70s. The stories of their lives, of
their parents’ journey to America, connected me to truths about the
world I would have otherwise never known, and led me into my path
working for human rights with Tibetans and others today.
Collectively, from the legacy of my grandfather, to the work of activist
Mary Tsukamoto (and Bob Sugimoto!), and friends like Hiep Vo (from whom
I first learned how a Vietnamese kid could speak great French and was
Catholic!), my life was shaped and expanded beyond anything that might
have been offered by what some consider “Real American”. The lessons
learned from their tragedies and trials built a more perfect union, and
weaved a stronger diverse cloth for our flag.
Love and peace to you all. May we find a way forward together.
Nice!
On Nov 20, 2015 6:36 AM, “Nathan Freitas” <nathan@freitas.net> wrote:
He was not a “refugee” but he did leave because he didn’t want to be drafted by the military dictatorship running the country, many young men left for the Americas , both South and North, and elsewhere for opportunity. We did have family & friends in the New Bedford area that helped with jobs and alike. People actually where recruited from many countries, Italy, Ireland, Poland and others. People of many religions and beliefs came here for religious freedom , pursuit of happiness and just to move. A lot came here thru alternate routes, thru Canada, thru Hawaii , off fishing boats, illegally probably. So what, they had a dream to be something they couldn’t be where they lived. I hope that is STILL the intent of all who are welcomed to come to this country.
Larry Freitas
California Computer Services
7625 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 101
Citrus Heights, Ca 95610
(916) 729-1102
This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message. Any unauthorized disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 9:16 AM
Cc: post7231@freitas.net
Nice!
On Nov 20, 2015 6:36 AM, “Nathan Freitas” <nathan@freitas.net<mailto:nathan@freitas.net>> wrote:
(I also posted this on Facebook)
Many people of Jewish or European descent who immigrated to the United
States during World War II have been visiting that heritage as a touch
point for the current refugee crisis. My amazing grandfather, Albino
Freitas, came to this country from Madeira (an autonomous island of
Portugal) around around the time that the first world war (around 1913)
was beginning to break out in Europe.
While I grew up not thinking of him as a refugee, considering that he
was fleeing war, traveled by himself as a teenager through multiple
countries in Europe until getting on a fishing boat to America, and
showed up in New Bedford with no friends or family, I think he might
qualify as one. He had no papers, other than his cousin’s passport (or
so I was told), and eventually was granted citizenship/amnesty many
years later (clarification here welcome!).
Fortunately, in the immigrant (refugee?) community of New Bedford, there
were people to take him in, a place for him to sleep, and job for him to
do. It is upon these simple acts of compassion, and the dedication and
drive of my grandfather to make a new life, not to mention the freedom
he was given to do that, that the history of the Freitas side of my
family in America is built.
I also want to remember all of the Japanese-American friends, family and
neighbors who were unjustly interred during World War II. Growing up in
California, the shameful history of that act was ever present in my mind
and thankfully in our school education. The reference by some that this
was somehow something we should ever repeat is something we cannot allow
(though ICE detention centers are doing a pretty good job that without
many people noticing).
Finally, my life was undeniable enriched and influenced by all of my
high school and college friends of Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Hmong
and other South-East Asian descent, most of whom were refugees from the
wars and conflicts in the 60s and 70s. The stories of their lives, of
their parents’ journey to America, connected me to truths about the
world I would have otherwise never known, and led me into my path
working for human rights with Tibetans and others today.
Collectively, from the legacy of my grandfather, to the work of activist
Mary Tsukamoto (and Bob Sugimoto!), and friends like Hiep Vo (from whom
I first learned how a Vietnamese kid could speak great French and was
Catholic!), my life was shaped and expanded beyond anything that might
have been offered by what some consider “Real American”. The lessons
learned from their tragedies and trials built a more perfect union, and
weaved a stronger diverse cloth for our flag.
Love and peace to you all. May we find a way forward together.
During World War 2, the English people sent their children to “the country”, to Ireland/etc and to the United States while their cities were bombed, and their parents and grandparents took a stand for their country. Maybe we can start with the children.
Rebecca Weill
Very well said, Nathan. It’s easy to dismiss those looking for a better
life as migrants or “illegals”, reserving refugee status only for those
fleeing for their lives. But, the “tired, poor, huddled masses” that
created our country did it for the mostly the same reasons people are
leaving their homes and families today. They want the same opportunities we
take for granted – employment, freedom, security, happiness, whatever. It’s
hard to see a difference between those wanting this now, and our
grandparents, great-grandparents, and others that came here before.
Good food for thought to add to the Thanksgiving menu!
– T
On Fri, Nov 20, 2015 at 6:32 AM, Nathan Freitas <nathan@freitas.net> wrote:
How does a lovely piece recognizing one’s heritage and the positive
influences of people with different backgrounds turn into the pros and cons
of xenophobia? Someone hit rewind so we can start over.
On Nov 20, 2015 6:36 AM, “Nathan Freitas” <nathan@freitas.net> wrote:
Not sure, but so it goes.
Have a great weekend, everyone. Micaela and I are off to Portland, Maine
for a pre-40th birthday getaway!
No email or news for me!
n Fri, Nov 20, 2015, at 02:26 PM, patricia wrote:
Aww! Happy early birthday to M (and you!) Enjoy! We are off to Cornell Univ for Noelles first collegiate skating competition and for some college visiting for Sara! Be safe- love you all
Rebecca Weill
Have a great weekend – hope you have some beautiful fall weather up there!
Not sure, but so it goes.
Have a great weekend, everyone. Micaela and I are off to Portland, Maine
for a pre-40th birthday getaway!
No email or news for me!
n Fri, Nov 20, 2015, at 02:26 PM, patricia wrote:
Enjoy Life!
Larry Freitas
This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message. Any unauthorized disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 1:36 PM
Cc: post7231@freitas.net
Have a great weekend – hope you have some beautiful fall weather up there!
Not sure, but so it goes.
Have a great weekend, everyone. Micaela and I are off to Portland, Maine
for a pre-40th birthday getaway!
No email or news for me!
n Fri, Nov 20, 2015, at 02:26 PM, patricia wrote:
Love you, big brother.
On Fri, Nov 20, 2015, at 04:42 PM, Larry Freitas wrote:
Love You and your beautiful family too!
Larry Freitas
California Computer Services
7625 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 101
Citrus Heights, Ca 95610
(916) 729-1102
This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message. Any unauthorized disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.
—–Original Message—–
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 1:44 PM
Cc: post7231@freitas.net
Love you, big brother.
On Fri, Nov 20, 2015, at 04:42 PM, Larry Freitas wrote: