By Tony Traficante, La Nostra Voce

The piazza overflowed with family and friends waiting to see loved ones off to America. It was a dream come true for those set to depart, while apprehension and anxiety consumed those left behind.

They cried, hugged, and kissed. Mothers, wives and innamorati sobbed bitterly: “Cari, ti aspetiammo! Per la Madonna, dove vai? A così lontano. Chi ti guarderà? Come faccio senza di te? Quando tornerai da noi? Ti aspetiammo giorno per giorno. Prego che Dio ti protegga e ti riporti indietro sano e salvo.” We shall wait for you. You are going so far away. Who will look after you? What will I do without you? I pray to God to watch over you and return you safely and sound.

This article first appeared in La Nostra Voce, ISDA’s monthly newspaper that chronicles Italian American news, history, culture and traditions. Subscribe today.

As the would-be immigrants were about to leave for America, they shouted, “ti prometto!” I promise! I will return!

Several did just that, to accompany their spouses and famiglia to America. Others returned home to Italy and never left, and many who stayed abroad never saw Italy again.

It was a bold move for those who braved crossing the vast, often-treacherous ocean. At the end of the journey, Ellis Island became their gateway to the American Dream.

More than four million Italians have made the journey to the United States, mostly from the poorer southern regions of Italy: Calabria, Sicilia, Basilicata, Puglia, and Campania. What motivated so many to reach these shores? Politics, poverty, war and natural disasters, to name a few.

In no time, immigrants realized that America’s stories were exaggerated by braggarts; nevertheless, the Italians persevered and remained united. They found comfort and stability within enclaves, enjoying the companionship of friends and welcoming neighbors.

Despite the hardships, many Italians were steadfast in their desire to make the most of the situation. As a family, they lived simply, worked hard, didn’t ask for much, and had some time for social activities. They, the Italians, persevered due to their deep faith, strong family traditions, and enterprising spirit.

To ensure their safety and social solidarity, Italians tended to settle with other Italians. And for this, they were accused of being clandestine. Banding together, oftentimes through chain migration, allowed them to speak their dialect, eat their cuisine, and follow their customs without fear of discrimination. The Italian parents, on the other hand, pushed their children into the community to become Americans.

Work and family were essential to the success and survival of Italian immigrants. Aside from building roads, dams, tunnels, monuments and other infrastructure, the Italians also provided labor for factories and mines.

Many Italian immigrants accepted jobs that American citizens did not want. Street cleaning and public construction were among the jobs they found. Several entered the huckstering business by selling fruits and vegetables. Others worked as waiters in hotels and restaurants. Women served as domestics and menders.

Unfortunately, some Italians could not find stable employment, returning to Italy discouraged and with empty pockets. Stories about abundant jobs and high wages in America were used to convince Italian immigrants to leave their homeland.

Despite hardships and difficulties, the Italians who traveled here remained lighthearted and generous. They brought with them many of their inspirational celebrations such as saints’ feast days, with their processions, music, and fireworks.

The Italian American community of today is the result of those who remained in this country…our ancestors and ourselves.

These historical accounts of our ancestors and heritage may seem repetitive, but how else will our descendants learn about them?

Today, droves of Italian Americans are applying for dual citizenship to seek out extended family, to purchase homes, to vote, to start businesses — all in the hopes of reconnecting with the people and places their immigrant ancestors had to leave behind.

“Una promessa fatta è una promessa mantenuta.”

A promise made is a promise kept.