[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 30, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S10261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ONE SMALL SLICE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, on June 10, 1903, 26-year-old 
Giovanni Castellano married 21-year-old Santa Basile in Milazzo, Italy. 
Less than 2 months later, on July 24, the newlyweds boarded the S.S. 
Lahn steamship headed for the United States of America. On August 5, 
1903, Giovanni and Santa Castellano set foot on American soil at Ellis 
Island, starting a new chapter in the American dream.
  The story of the Castellano family in many ways reflects the typical 
American immigrant experience. Giovanni and Santa settled in New York 
City and presided over the development of a large family. The first 
generation born in America included Joseph, Jenny, Vincent, Florence, 
Faye, Steve, and Anthony. The members of this generation in turn had 
families of their own, and so on. As the new century gets underway, the 
fourth generation of American Castellanos begins grade school.
  The first generation of the Castellano family tended to marry other 
Italian Americans, the likes of Carizzo, Cambria, and Fidele. 
Reflecting U.S. immigration patterns, there was the occasional 
McElligot. Over time, the genealogy of the Castellano family came to 
reflect the diversity of America. Ullmann, Cinotti, Burk, Garcia, 
Anchustegui, and Pray are just some of the names that may be found on 
the family tree now.
  Many members of the Castellano family have stayed in New York but 
others have moved throughout the United States. One hundred years of 
history have brought the Castellano family literally from sea to 
shining sea--from New York, Maryland and Washington, DC, to Colorado, 
New Mexico, and California.
  While many in the first generation of the Castellano family received 
only a grade school education, succeeding generations have graduated 
from community colleges, State universities, private colleges, and the 
Ivy League. The Castellano family has spawned teachers, stockbrokers, 
delivery drivers, restaurateurs, soldiers, lawyers, doctors, dentists, 
bricklayers, and other professions; some have worked in business, some 
have worked in public service. They have served their country in both 
peace and in World War II, Vietnam, and Somalia.
  Next week is the 100th anniversary of Giovanni and Santa's entry into 
the United States through Ellis Island--the beginning of the American 
dream for one family. Congratulations to the Castellano family; may the 
dream go on for all Americans.

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