In 1950, I arrived in America in this manner. I was at a refugee camp in the Philippines in 1948, running from the socialists. I requested a visa to enter America. Two years later, I was accepted. I was 16 years older. In the tent, my mother and two sisters also applied. My endorsement came second. Then, I would get put last on the list and had to take it.
Second, I had to have all the pictures for certain illnesses. Next, before getting on the ship, I was examined by a physician from head to toe. Before getting off the fleet in San Francisco, I had to have another interview, which took three times.
Then it was our turn to let the ship left. My dream came true — I was in America.
We had just dreams about the meals on board. It was a regiment ship, the USS Hershey. They had a sign that said,” Get all you want but eat what you take”, and we did.
My grandmother’s heart had a place on it, which prevented her from passing her exam until it was determined that smoking had caused it. That’s how tight it was up then. It’s been 74 times since I came to America. What a great nation and a great people. Your goals may come true in this area.
GEORGE KOSTULKSY
Covington
