The Crossroads of America: A Family History
By Michael Boyajian
There is a great deal of talk about immigration as of late but what does it mean to be an American? I have been recording an oral history of my extended family for some time now. I have learned that my family represents a cross section of global civilization all of whom settled in America at one time or another.
My wife’s family is represented by Wagners and Gardiners. The Wagners were an early wave of German immigrants which may have had Jewish roots. One member of this family fought in the Civil War making the ultimate sacrifice at Gettysburg. My father in law served in World War II and worked for Grumman Aerospace on the Lunar Lander that touched down on the moon in 1969.
The Gardiners have French Huguenot roots fleeing France for the Netherlands and then onto Britain before arriving in America. Members of this family fought in the America Revolution, survived the Great Depression with great suffering and one was lost in the World Trade Center on 9/11. One relative crossed the country in a covered wagon and lived to see a man land on the moon.
Then there is the Armenian side of the family most of whom fled the Armenian Genocide of 1915 leaving Turkey for Ellis Island. These people included the Boyajians, Kulhanjians and Ajemians. All have frightful stories of how they survived the genocide which Turkey denies to this day and to which my late father responded, if it did not happen than where are all my uncles. My Uncle Gary Kulhanjian served on the New Jersey Holocaust Commission under four governors.
The family worked in tailoring, photoengraving and the arts with many serving in World War II while joining other ethnic groups for vacations in the Catskills.
Then there are the Baglieris who left Sicily for this shore fighting in World Wars I and II and Vietnam. They were musicians by profession and cherished family life with several generations living together in the same home.
Another Italian branch of the family are the Romeos who left Italy in hopes of a new life in America but with a matriarch who always missed her Italian home but whose descendents thrived here cherishing their new country and devoted to their family.
Then there are the Busbys who left Ireland because of the Potato Famine. They trace their roots to Brooklyn where the family rose to prominence before moving out to the suburbs. Some served in World War II and one graduated West Point and became a colonel in the Delta Force.
So as you can see here are a handful of families who all touch on the great milestones of history. And these people I call my glorious family one and all making for a grand human experience and a beautiful mosaic that represents our nation.
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