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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI witnessed America at it's best today
My husband and I stood witness today to 152 immigrants, representing 52 countries, take the oath of allegiance on the lawn of the town common of Old Sturbridge Village. Immediately following, a small choir brilliantly performed The Star Spangled Banner a cappella.
When I was 2 years old, I was adopted from a German orphanage by a military couple and became a naturalized citizen several years later. I never took the oath of allegiance for citizenship due to my age, so I repeated those words along with these people today to reaffirm my own citizenship.
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, which re-creates life in rural New England during the 1790s through 1830s. With all the conflict in our country today, it was refreshing to be transported back to a time when America was young and see this diverse group of people stand proudly as they became citizens of this United States of America.
I will think of this day when Cadet Bone Spurs spews his vitriol so I can have hope for a time when our country can once again return to its dreams and ideals.
TomSlick
(11,034 posts)It's past time for me to get over it. Yes, Trump is driving this country to fascism but we can and must resist. This country is worth fighting for.
Organize, protest, vote - resist!
sazemisery
(2,608 posts)Lucky Luciano
(11,242 posts)This country is worth fighting for!
Coming from the left, it would be brilliant IMO.
Fuck MAGA!
TomSlick
(11,034 posts)I've been through a few stages: disbelief, sadness, anger, despair. I've arrived at resolution.
I'm fighting for my country. If it lands me in the coming concentration camps, so be it.
olegramps
(8,200 posts)I wish that our own citizens who were born here had as much appreciation for their good fortune as the desperate people who are so grateful for what our nation provides. I have taken people to the supermarket when I was a teenager who were totally amassed at the amount, quality and variety of clean wholesome food that was available every day of the week. They were actually flabbergasted. The very idea that they could get a job and own car was beyond their wildest expectations in life. I remember helping a young guy, not much older than myself, who had fought in the Polish uprising and escaped to Italy learn to drive. We had drink or two and die laughing about that experience. I helped people prepare the citizenship test and believe me most Americans would fail it miserably. I was there when a these people who had become my closest friends took the oath of alliance and I will tell you that it was one of the most profound days of my life. It was like when I went to Arlington and watched the changing of he guard at the Tome of the Unknown Soldier. That will put your mind to reeling.
spanone
(135,635 posts)Aristus
(66,095 posts)Congratulations, fellow citizen!
sazemisery
(2,608 posts)It embodies the spirit of our country. It was quite emotional talking with these people and hearing the stories of their paths toward citizenship. I made some new friends today.
calimary
(80,699 posts)even want to become citizens.
Theyre to be greatly admired, and thanked. I take it as a signal that not everybody has lost faith in this country.
Sophia4
(3,515 posts)sazemisery
(2,608 posts)bdamomma
(63,657 posts)Ears. I want us to be rid of this disease of trump
ladym55
(2,577 posts)That had to be thrilling to be a part of that moment.
And we have 152 more people in the US who have read and understand the Constitution. Now if they could just explain it to Donny ...
sazemisery
(2,608 posts)of a village during the infancy of our Republic. The choir sent chills down my spine. Of course I cringe every time someone or group butchers our National Anthem.
I haven't visited Sturbridge in a long time, but the whole experience today just had to have been awesome all around. Thank you so much for your post. It made me feel better about many things.
FakeNoose
(32,351 posts)May we always have stories like this to share with each other.
SharonClark
(10,005 posts)Love it!
[link:https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/2018/07/04/naturalization-ceremony-independence-day-citizenship-iowa-cubs-principal-park/758414002/|
"The crowd cheered as each of the 30 newly sworn-in citizens names echoed over the Principal Park sound system.
Judge Robert Pratt handed them a certificate as they walked off the field and they took their seats in the stands getting handshakes from spectators all the way up the stairs.
This country was founded by people with heritage from other countries, Gabriel said Wednesday, so we are part of that now.
George II
(67,782 posts)...was sworn in as an American.
A few weeks later she received a personal letter from our Senator, congratulating her and welcoming her to American citizenship.
It was signed by Robert F. Kennedy.
SharonClark
(10,005 posts)tavernier
(12,322 posts)Little guy with a HUGE message.
Ive had the mixed blessing to be alive during the most important times of the century.
tavernier
(12,322 posts)and made a naturalized citizen at the age of 16. I became a nurse and an author of medical books, and a mother of children who have served in the military of our country. This is my story. If you wish to deport me or shut me up, I hope your karma is stronger than mine.
Lets see.
George II
(67,782 posts)tavernier
(12,322 posts)Their ancestors were sent to Siberia by these monsters, killed and tortured. They will not forget. Putins plan is that we have short memories, but he is mistaken.
Old saying... Shit floats. It does. It will all come to the top.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,145 posts)As a result, the organization expects to hire dozens of lawyers and immigration officers in the coming weeks to find U.S. citizens they say should not have been naturalized, to revoke their citizenship, and then eventually deport them.
Ur Jaddou, a former chief council for the USCIS, now the director of the immigrant advocacy group DHS Watch, and an immigration law professor at Washington College of Law at American University explains this development.
Never rest. Always vigilant.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Welcome to all the new American citizens! I hope we can live up to their expectations.
Ferrets are Cool
(21,063 posts)And I am glad you posted.
You, however, were NOT able to see america at it's worst because no camera's are allowed into the concentration camps holding hundreds of children in THIS country. Until that stops, I cannot celebrate anything.
LittleGirl
(8,261 posts)became a citizen on June 21st, 5 yrs ago. It was my first citizenship session and I was very proud too!
The Conductor
(180 posts)A good friend of mine from Japan was one of over 500 to become citizens in Washington State. The concept of that strong and intelligent woman ever voting for an orange-haired nincompoop is as ridiculous as he is. And she will vote. Welcome to the fight, good friend!
George II
(67,782 posts)....on the field of a minor league baseball stadium before the game. They got a huge ovation!
pazzyanne
(6,518 posts)It gives hope and the feeling that America is still here and doing what she does best: welcoming immigrants to her shores. I have worked with green card holders and have never found one of them that was not a loyal, hardworking, proud resident of this country. Too bad so many have lost that welcoming pride.