Author: Manuel F. Simoes

Today marks 65 years that I came to America. I celebrate this day with thanks to my parents and their struggle to come here, and make a better life for our family. Back in those days you needed a sponsor, and guaranteed work, so my father was on a fishing vessel, two weeks after we landed, headed to the Grand Banks.

In 1963 my parents save enough money to re-pay their debts, here and in the Azores. My parents decide to take me back to the Azores to let me see how we lived; I was 15 and becoming (American-Spoiled). Below is a whale hunt my father took me on, he had been a whale harpooner in the Azores. Below is the 8mm film I took during that adventure. Enjoy

https://youtu.be/1WIgvaU-uZ4