ALAMEDA, California—Just a day before the Fourth of July, a ceremony on the USS Hornet welcomed a new group of American citizens. Seventy-eight people from 25 countries were sworn in as citizens of the United States.
They made oaths, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang American songs.
Vice Admiral Linda Fagan, commander of the Pacific Area, welcomed the diverse group.
“It takes a lot of work and dedication and determination to become a naturalized citizen,” said Fagan.
“They really epitomized for me, the best of what we are as a country, the diversity and perseverance, and all that it takes to be a citizen in a great democracy like ours,” he said.
The new citizens also received certificates, recognizing their accomplishment.
“Being amongst all the people and hearing their different stories and how proud they are to become a U.S. citizen. It’s very emotional,” said Lorena Zalles from Bolivia.
Pablo from Mexico, was happy to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. He, like others, are already thinking about how to give back to their new country.
“I want to bring a little bit of the Mexican-Hispanic background culture here. I want to do a little bit more for the community,” he said.
“I am planning to go back to nursing school. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do more as a U.S. citizen,” said Alaine De Jesus, from the Philippines.
After the long wait, they are just in time for their first Fourth of July as proud American citizens.
