In 1951, a father, his wife, and their 6 week old daughter, left England (on the final trip of the Queen Elizabeth 1 before going into dry dock)headed for a new life in the United States. For the father, it was a chance to live a new life, to live the American dream. He had been brought up in abject poverty. As a child he had seen hunger, cold, pain, and new first hand the lack of opportunity he faced in his beloved Country. Although a proud Brit, (he sevred for "Her Majesty's Service" in W.W.2. and had suffered a hip injury that would pain him for the rest of his life being one of the last British troops pulled out of the water in Dunkirk France) he knew only in America would he have the chance to enjoy a better quality of life.
The journey over was difficult as the 6 week old baby developed colic and was in much pain the entire trip. Upon arriving in New York City, the parents found medical care for their Daughter. The prescribed medicine took every penny they had. With no cash, and only train tickets to get them to their destination in Ogden Utah, their situation was bleak. They arrived in Chicago 2 days later, with a long lay over, and another 2 to 3 day journey to Ogden, a fellow traveler became aware of their situation, and bought the father and mother a hamburger. This small act of kindness was remembered by the father 55 years later on his death bed.
The young family finally arrived in Ogden, and began their new life. Hard work, a simple and prudent lifestyle, and a burning desire to succeed drove them. By 1954 they had purchased a 1 acre lot in the country. By 1955 the father had built enough of a home, to move his family into, while he worked to complete the rest. By this time their family had grown with the addition of a new baby boy.
Life was good for the family. Hard work, Faith in God, and devotion to God, Country, and Family was taught.
In 1965, the parents were very proud to fianlly become American citizens. They were very proud of their British blood, but also very proud to be Americans.
They lived the American dream and enjoyed many blessings that they could never had imagined had they stayed in England.
That Father and Mother (my Dad and Mom) were part of the 53%, as am I and my older sister.
It is why I, and so many others with compelling back grounds fight so hard to try and keep the American Dream alive.