New Citizen

I created a new collage' for my husband. I made it to celebrate his becoming a NEW AMERICAN CITIZEN this week. It was a proud day for all of us. The process was fairly simple - just lengthy. He sent his paperwork in last June...and finally got his interview this last Monday! The ceremony was simple and there were many nations represtented (plus there was one other Canadian from Ontario in the room). All immigrants raised their right hand and pledge their oath to the United States.

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

We heard a message from President Bush, saw a short movie with pictures representing the diversity of our nation. We also saw a music video with patriotic clips with Lee Greenwood singing, "Proud to Be An American."

The new Americans received their paperwork, a copy of the constitution, a small flag and then said the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. I think the only thing that would have topped it all off was everyone singing "God Bless America!"

I'm so proud of the new citizen in my home!