My grandfather was the greatest person I have ever known. If he hadn’t sacrificed his life and come to America with nothing, I wouldn’t be alive today.
This song and the lyrics (not to mention the pictures) make us stop and think about how fortunate and blessed we are that our ancestors gave of themselves so we could have all that we have today.
What are we doing to pay it forward so future generations – our children and grandchildren can say the same about us and our contributions?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caVOSqnMkZs
Oh Ellis Island was swarming
Like a scene from a costume ball
Decked out in the colors of Europe
And on fire with the hope of it all
There my father’s own father stood huddled
With the tired and hungry and scared
Turn of the century pilgrims
Bound by the dream that they shared
They were standing in lines just like cattle
Poked and prodded and shoved
Some were one desk away from sweet freedom
Some were torn from someone they love
Through this sprawling tower of Babel
Came a young man confused and alone
Determined and bound for America
Carryin’ everything that he owned
Sometimes when I look in my grandfather’s Immigrant Eyes
I see that day reflected; and I can’t hold my feelings inside
I see starting with nothing and working hard all of his life
So don’t take it for granted say grandfather’s Immigrant Eyes
Now he rocks and stares out the window
But his eyes are still just as clear
As the day he sailed through the harbor
Came ashore on the island of tears
My grandfather’s days are numbered
But I won’t let his memory die
‘Cause he gave me the gift of this country
And the look in his Immigrant Eyes