Went to a swearing-in-ceremony for new citizens yesterday. So cool. There were 701 new citizens from 104 countries, including our friend and Spanish campus-pastor Dairo Borja. It was the largest group of new citizens sworn in at one time in the history of DC.
I think there is a unique appreciation of America among immigrants that those of us born in the US don't fully appreciate. We take an awful lot for granted.
As a Municipal Judge, my grandfather used to lead citizenship classes and ceremonies. I remember hearing about how life-changing it was for those who immigrated. In fact, our family used to have an annual meal at a Chinese restaurant that was owned by immigrants that my grandfather had helped become citizens.
For the record, my ancestors on my mom's side immigrated to the US from Sweden in the late 19th century so I've got some Swedish blood running through my veins.
Here's a shot of new citizens pledging allegiance.
I think there is a unique appreciation of America among immigrants that those of us born in the US don't fully appreciate. We take an awful lot for granted.
As a Municipal Judge, my grandfather used to lead citizenship classes and ceremonies. I remember hearing about how life-changing it was for those who immigrated. In fact, our family used to have an annual meal at a Chinese restaurant that was owned by immigrants that my grandfather had helped become citizens.
For the record, my ancestors on my mom's side immigrated to the US from Sweden in the late 19th century so I've got some Swedish blood running through my veins.
Here's a shot of new citizens pledging allegiance.
1 Comments:
I went to one of those ceremonies a couple months ago myself to support a coworker, and I definitely left it being inspired and touched in an unexpected way.
It triggered a lot of thoughts. One being how much we take for granted. Another being how much more we should celebrate our citizenship, in the US and in heaven!
Post a Comment
<< Home