Sunday, September 21, 2008

Proud to Be an American

Friday, Uncle Joe became a United States Citizen. He, along with more than 1000 others from 108 countries, took part in the largest naturalization ceremony in Missouri history. And Evie and I were there to congratulate him.

Although the ceremony was held in an arena, it was an official court proceeding. The Honorable Mary Ann L. Medler administered the oath, and we watched with tears in our eyes. Afterward, Uncle Joe waved an American flag with true excitement.

I wanted to share with you the Oath of Allegiance these new citizens recited:

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 the law; that I will perform non-combatant 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.

Jyoti, wave that American flag, YOUR new flag, proudly.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

yeah Uncle Joe!!! congrats!

Prasti said...

congratulations to your uncle joe! i think my mom had to say the same thing when she became a u.s. citizen...but that was a long time ago :)

Momisodes said...

Congratulations to Uncle Joe! That is wonderful news :)

jennifer said...

So cool!