What It Actually Means to Be American: A First Generation Story

Bill spent the Fourth of July at the Pacone family cookout and asked Wally, owner of Omero's Fine Men's Clothing in Rochester, one question: what was it like growing up as the only one in his family born in the United States? Wally's parents came from Italy in 1954, in their forties, speaking no English, with six boys and a plan. Wally became the family translator at eight years old, pulled out of school to take his mother shopping and to doctor's appointments. His father never fully learned the language.

His mother learned enough. They worked, conformed, built a family, and put their kids through college. That was the whole goal. As the country celebrates its two hundred and fiftieth birthday, Bill and Wally talk about what it actually costs to start over in a place where you do not know the language, the rules, or anyone who can help you.

America is still the place people come to for the opportunity to choose their own life. Wally's family proved it.

Happy Fourth. Tell a friend. That's how we spread the word about the pirate ship.

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