A nationwide initiative is taking place this month to gather and share inspirational stories of American immigrants. As part of Immigrant Heritage Month, the stories of two immigrants in Holyoke, Massachusetts were recently recognized.
Vitek Kruta, who was born in the former Czechoslovakia, traveled the world for 30 years before finding a home in Holyoke and establishing a fine art and antiques restoration business. Laura Restrepo spoke no English when she immigrated to Holyoke from Columbia at age 13. Last month, she graduated with high honors from Holyoke Community College and will continue her studies at Mount Holyoke College.
The two were honored at an Immigrant Heritage Month celebration at the Wistariahurst Museum attended by about 50 schoolchildren. Kruta said the recognition is “humbling.”
"There are many many other immigrants who do fantastic things that people don't know about. So, yes it is humbling," he said.
Kruta came to Holyoke nine years ago. He owns Gateway City Arts in the city’s growing Arts and Innovation District. He’s been involved in restoring some of the city’s historic landmarks such as the Victory Theater. Paintings by some of his students hang in the room in the museum where the immigrant recognition ceremony took place.
" I found a home here. I am very happy here," said Kruta. " I come from Prague and parts of the city were created during the Industrial Revolution and look exactly like Holyoke. I lived in many places but after 30 years I have found a home in Holyoke."
Restrepo said she was honored to be recognized for her inspirational story.
"I think immigrants have made Holyoke grow and they maintain the community," she observed.
She is the third generation of her family to immigrate to Holyoke. Her grandparents came to the city about 30 years ago.
" It is a very welcoming place," she said of Holyoke.
State Rep. Aaron Vega, whose father immigrated to Holyoke from Ecuador, noted that the local salute to immigrants is helpful in countering some of the national political rhetoric that often puts immigrants in a bad light.
" I think it is unfortunate that just like many situations there are a few people who are creating a bad situation and overshadowing so many of the postive contributions immigrants have made to this country and to Holyoke," he said.
In Springfield, Mayor Domenic Sarno, the son of Italian immigrants, issued a proclamation for Immigrant Heritage Month, and praised the family values and traditions instilled in him by his parents.
This is the third year of the national initiative to gather and share inspirational stories of immigrants. It is spearheaded by the nonprofit Welcome US.