My brother, sister and I recently were in New York after not having been there for a very long time together as a family. We spent an afternoon visiting Ellis Island, where our maternal grandparents entered the US in the late 1800's. They were both from a very small town in Galicia, Spain, and came to the US to work and create a better life for themselves. Our grandfather worked as a bellman in a hotel in the city, and our grandmother was a maid. They saved enough money, married and opened their own hotel ("La Estrella") in Manhattan, which catered to Spaniards who visited the US. After several successful years, they opened another hotel in the Catskills which, as luck would have it many years later, our mother met our father, who was visiting the US from Barcelona, Spain. And there you have it! What a wonderful experience to walk through the Registration Room at Ellis Island and know that our grandparents had once spent time there, entering the country that would be their home for many, many years. I, for one, am so grateful that they did make the journey, as it also provided us, their grandchildren, such wonderful opportunities!

Thanks for the story JLY. Your words were a great reminder of what the Italian heritage has contributed to what we call the American experince. .. the music, the people who played it... and the love of life that that music and those people embodied. It's a good time to reflect on the fact that the great American principle, "all men are created equal," originated with an Italian physician, Philip Maezzi (who was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson). So here's to the many benefits of having Italian friends... and embracing the ideas and examples they set for us.

Not only does John Lloyd Young share the spirit of his Italian heritage, it is clearly evident in the work he loves. Being Sicilan is an added plus! He is an Italian American role model who respects where his roots are, and that will make him a shining star for many years to come.

My children who are adopted from China recently visited Ellis Island with me this spring while we were visiting from Texas. We walked through the Main Hall and somehow I could faintly hear the whispers of people from the past waiting in line to enter the US. My father and his brother came to Ellis Island from Poland in 1939. Just a few steps before Hitler invaded Poland. They changed their names from Kamenetska to Kamen, due to translation problems. I brought my girls to the wall and showed them their grandfather's name engraved in the wall that looks out towards the Statue of Liberty. Without pausing they said we are immigrants just like our Grandpa Jack who came to America to live freely! Tears welled up in my eyes. Thank you John for sharing this personal story with your fans!

Thank you John for sharing your very personal story with us. The immigrant experience of your family resonates for me as well. I appreciate the encouragement and the inspiration to share our stories. Gayle Kamen-Weinstein

John, thanks for your story. My mother emigrated from Poland in the 1920's, but I've never visited Ellis Island or even entered this site until linking from your Blog to your story. I registered and in a matter of seconds, found my mother, the date she came over, the ship's name, her place of departure, and her last residence in Poland. Although not as young as you were, I lost my mom as a boy 40 years ago, and really never thought too much about my genealogy. I never would have dreamed you would have given me something in addition to the pleasure of watching you perform in "Jersey Boys" 11 times. Tonight, you just did. Thank you. Howard Tucker.

I can't stop saying how inspiring you are! You are the human embodiment of the American dream! I was born and raised in US, while my parents came to America from Vietnam. They came here so that thier future might be bright, and thier children's future as bright as the sun. My dream is to be a successful anchor and Broadway reivewer. will never stop working until I reach that goal and make my family proud! John, on behalf of every JERSEY BOYS fan, Thank you so very much for your inspiration, and sharing your story! Keep living dream, and keep making your family proud. For it is their faith and belief, that lead you to where you are today. Stephanie Pham