Last week we went to this place in SLC:
Some of Irish Girl's support
We were treated to the National Anthem, flag ceremony and ushering in of new Americans. We could see the first two rows where our Irish Girl was sitting. A rep of the Homeland Security or Immigration (I forgot which, both agenices were mentioned) announced that 201 people were here to be sworn in as US citizens. I wondered what he was talking about until in a big rush of air all these people stood up, raised their right hands and swore their allegiance to the US. It was a very moving sight.
Ms. Court Rep said that over 3600 Utahans are sworn in as US citizens every year. About 3600 immigrants enter the shores everyday, hoping to live the dream. She said that countries from A to W were represented. Some people were able to become US citizens in under a year; some took 20 years. The youngest was 18 and the oldest was 86 (cute Filipino grandma w/ a big white flower in her hair).
Our newest American:
Ms. Court Rep in charge gave a few new Americans a chance to say something. Every single person who stood up expressed their gratitude to being in this country.
Here are a few quotes from the newest Americans:
"I have the freedom to give my thoughts in public, like now. I've traveled to many countries and many rich countries, but this is the best country!"
"This is such a great nation!"
"God bless America!"
"I'm proud to be an American citizen."
"This is a country of freedom and ideals and freedom of express."
"This is a democracy country."
The people who spoke were from Nepal, Somalia, Venezuela, Britain, Peru, Scotland, Mexico City, Finland, Philippines, Chile and Nicaragua.
Ms. Court Rep also gave a stirring speech about expectations in America like working, law-abiding etc. She also quoted The American's Creed. (I'll post that later in the week.)
The most immigrants were from Mexico with 56. Ms. Court Rep thanked them for becoming a citizen legally because that is what got them this far. There were quite a few from the Middle East as well.
I was so moved by the gratitude I could feel and hear in that room. I wish every school could do an assembly similar to the program we were blessed to be part of that day.
2 comments:
I completely agree about the assembly idea. Too bad EVERY school doesn't have the chance to see/hear/feel that. Fort hat matter, there are a lot of adults that should see/hear/feel that as well. Congrats to Formerly Irish Girl, and to all the Lovells for going up to be a part of that.
That is so cool!!! I wish I could have been there!!!
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