Rushing, glancing at the clock I just barely make it. The Naturalization Ceremony, originally something I was only slightly interested in mostly as my International Relations teacher encouraged us so strongly to attend. Now sitting in the ballroom, watching a young girl ask her mother to smile for a picture as she finished the oath and waiting for her certificate of U.S citizenship I was glad I attended such an inspiring event. I was literally moved by the simple fact that thirty six foreign citizens wished to join our country of freedom.
The ceremony began with a welcome from our own president Edna Mora Szmanski, and a response from Yi Chu, student senate vice president. The National Anthem was sung, the Pledge of Allegiance recited, the room rang with the multitude of voices. The list of countries was read, thirty six from sixteen different countries became an American today, as each country was named the citizen(s) stood and I could clearly see the difference in each that made our country so wonderful.
A short welcome video from our President Barack Obama and a moving song “Proud to be American” which any country fan like myself would know, closed the ceremony. A moving ending as pictures of our beautiful land played on the big screen as the new citizens of the United States of America waved the flag. The entire event was eye-opening and helped me understand how important International Relations actually is.
At the very end f the ceremony I walked up to my professor, shook his hand and thanked him for having us come. If you have never been to a Naturalization Ceremony I strongly encourage you to attend the next one available. I promise you that you won’t regret it.
And I'm proud to be American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up
Next to you, and defend her still today
Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God Bless the USA
