Yesterday I attended the Southport Naturalization ceremony at their July Fourth Festival where the Brunswick Town Chapter members host the registration prior to this event and a reception afterwards. For a second time I had the privilege of shaking hands and congratulating 78 new American Citizens from 38 different countries who came here for a better life. Uganda, Kenya, Philippines, Brazil, France, Ireland, Finland, Denmark, United Kingdom, Lebanon, France, Syria, Guatemala, and Togo were only a few of the countries of origin on their name tags I was able to read.
I know from their sincere and joyous smiles, they were proud to finally be Americans. Family members cheered and took pictures and videos of this momentous occasion. In spite of the 90 degree heat it was a real July Fourth celebration! As I put out my yard flags this morning I sincerely hoped that these newest American citizens, many of whom have experienced hardships we will never know, feel included today.
The key note speaker said, “Most of us take our citizenship for granted. We did nothing to attain American Citizenship.” We are most fortunate. Let us never take our citizenship for granted. Enjoy celebrating this gift we have been given by generations before us!
Carole Weiss, State Regent
