Witnessing the Naturalization Ceremony is perhaps one of the most heart-warming events that I have been honored to attend. Today was my THIRD experience. With each program, I gain a stronger sense of pride, appreciation, and gratefulness, knowing that I am an American Citizen. Oh, the freedoms that we take for granted!
Behind these doors, the Naturalization Ceremony transpires. The Honorable Robert S. Ballou, United States District Judge, presided.
Every year, The United States welcomes nearly 1 million new citizens through naturalization ceremonies, all of who must pass the American citizenship exam. Today's ceremony was celebrated by 39 applicants, all who were eager to finally say: I AM AN AMERICAN! 23 different countries were represented.
Special music (The Star Spangled Banner) was performed by VIrginia Blend. 
Presentation of Applicants was led by Kenneth Parrella, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Virginia.
What a pleasure to see the new applicants raise their hand and quote the Oath of Allegiance.......spoken in the English language!
Once Judge Ballou presented the official certificates, the new citizens were greeted by flags, handshakes, copies of the Pledge of Allegiance, hugs, and folders of pertinent information. 
The Certificate of Naturalization (form N-550) is proof of a person having obtained U.S. citizenship through the legal process of obtaining a new nationality. This is a copy:
My heart soared. I beamed with pride. THE NEW CITIZENS beamed with pride. Their smiles were big, broad, and sincere. It was an honor to firmly shake each person's hand. Some of the applicants drove 3-4 hours to make the 11:00 AM opening court. Many stood, after their oath, with remarks of gratitude, for the opportunity to become a citizen of the United States. Judge Ballou spoke to the New Citizens. In his remarks he quoted Ronald Reagan:
"You can live in Germany, Turkey, or Japan, but you can't become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the earth, can come live in America and become an American."
The program concluded with special music, God Bless America, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
As members of the General James Breckinridge Chapter DAR, we have the distinct privilege of being a part of the program. We also provide a reception for the new citizens. 
Today, was my first occasion for personally meeting The Honorable Robert S. Ballou. After many of the new citizens had their 'photo session' with him, I was honored to have mine done as well! .jpg)
Federal Judges conduct the ceremonies, which are open to the public, including students. If you have never attended one, it is an experience that you will not forget. The next scheduled Naturalization Ceremony is listed in this link: www.vawd.uscourts.gov
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An additional link is also included to provide YOU with 100 Civics questions which are a part of the Naturalization process. How many can you answer? https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q.pdf
I'm proud to be an American!
I'm proud to be an American!
I'm equally proud to have the opportunity to vote!
