Generation Ships and Lithuania

One of the panels I wanted to see but missed at this year's Worldcon was entitled "The Ethics of Generation Ships." The panel description ran to the effect of: "was it ethical for people to consign their children and grandchildren to a voyage they had no choice in?"

I have thoughts, or rather a thought. My great-grandfather was born in Lithuania, and at the age of 14 decided to remain in America. I recently went back and visited Lithuania. As a practical matter, there is no way I could live there. I don't speak the language, I'm not wealthy enough to not require a job, and I'm culturally distant from Lithuanians.

Was it unethical for my great-grandfather to stay in America?