OUR STORY
Below is the story that inspired the founding of Golden Beacon USA.*
In 1956, Laura’s grandparents Antonio and Nella Dekovich, her father Alexander, and two uncles left on Antonio’s boat in the middle of the night to flee a communist Yugoslavia.
From left to right:
Alexander, Nella, Aldo, Antonio, and Tony.
The trip was treacherous, with a storm threatening to capsize their tiny boat.
The family was rescued by fishermen on a boat nearby and sent to a refugee camp in Italy.
Antonio on his boat.
Throughout their years in Italy, it became difficult for Antonio to find steady work. A government liaison suggested the family immigrate to South America, Canada, Australia, or the USA. The family won a spot through the immigration lottery to come to the United States.
The family at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
Applying for immigration at the U.S. Embassy in Italy, the immigration officer asked Antonio why he wanted to come to the United States. Antonio replied, "I love my family and cherish my independence and America is the beacon of freedom for us. I reject the tyranny of Communism and will do whatever I have to do to keep my dignity through hard and honest work and provide for them." This response impressed the officer, who replied, "You are just the kind of people we want."
Working with Catholic Relief Services in Genova, Italy, their travel documents were approved in August of 1956.
In October of the same year, the family flew from Rome to New York City, then took a train to Toledo, Ohio, and finally a bus to Detroit, Michigan, where they would make their home.
With the help of volunteers from the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, the family set up house in the basement unit of an apartment building. The Dekovich family were finally ready to start their American Dream.
Antonio later recounted his story on these pages, entitled "It Happened to Me."
*Adapted from "A Leap into the Breach: The Biography of Antonio Dekovich" by Anthony J. Dekovich, 2018.