What an honor and privilege to attend and participate in the NATURALIZATION CEREMONY for 47 NEW citizens. The event took place at the United States District Court Western District of Virginia. The Air Force Junior ROTC from Patrick Henry High School, began the ceremony with the Presentations of Colors.
Special Music by Carilion Clinic Hospice Choir included the "Star Spangled Banner", and "America the Beautiful".
With tears of joy in most of their eyes, and their right hands raised, The Honorable Michael F. Urbanski, Chief United States District Judge, administered the "Oath of Allegiance" to the new 47 United States Citizens.
The courtroom was filled with friends, family, distinguished guests, teachers, and co-workers......cheering on the successful accomplishments of the now new United States Citizens.
My heart soared. I beamed with pride. THEY beamed with pride. Their smiles were BIG, BROAD, AND SINCERE. It was an honor to firmly hake each person's hand. Some of the participants drove 3-4 hours to make the 11:00 AM opening court. Many stood, after their oath, with heartfelt remarks of gratitude, for the golden opportunity to become a citizen of the United States. The Naturalization Ceremony concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Retirement of Colors, and adjournment.
If you have never attended a Naturalization Ceremony, find out when the next one takes place. You can be a part of the 'courtroom gallery'. It is an experience that you will not forget.
A link below, includes 100 CIVICS questions as part of the Naturalization process! I can't help but wonder how many 'born in America' people know the answers!
Civics Questions for Naturalization Test.
And here is a link for the reading vocabulary test used for the US Citizenship interview!
Reading VocabularyI am proud to be an American. #adaytoremember #adaytocelebrate
No comments:
Post a Comment