Nov. 7, 2007 - A Very Special Day!
I'm sorry this is late. When we got home yesterday afternoon, we had some computer problems, so I couldn't post anything. I made my post this morning and by accident deleted the whole thing. Thank you my sweet friends who left messages on my C-Box concerning this.
I had the most delightful and wonderful day yesterday. Yes, I am an official American citizen, I wish you all could have been there.
Let me walk you through my experience. I was told to be there at 9 AM. Each of us who was taking the oath yesterday was called to sign our Certificate of Naturalization and were assigned a seat. I set by two gentlemen, one from Korea and the other from Kenya. The official ceremony was scheduled to start at 10 AM, and it did. This gave everyone plenty of time to finish some paper work and guests to be seated.
The very friendly and sweet Judge came and commenced the ceremony by welcoming us and telling us about this historical occasion and how more special it was for it have taken place in such a Historic beautiful place. If, you live near Indianapolis, you might consider taking a tour of this beautiful building.
I was doing really well emotionally, until the Judge called for the oath to be read and for us to stand up. I tell you, I'm glad I didn't have to repeat it word by word, for as the oath was being read, I had a lump in my throat, and when we said “I do” I lost it….. We then were told to face the flag and put our right hand over our heart and recite the Pledge of allegiance, I barely could even recite it, I had tears and they were flowing like a river.  I remember (through my tears) that it wasn't very loud, I thought since I was a little overwhelmed I wasn't hearing too well.... Later on, I was told that the whole place was very solemn, even the guests had tears. It was the most solemn Pledge everyone in that room ever heard. Something so special that so many take it for granted.
And now for some pictures. My pictures weren't as good as normal, we had troubles with the lights in there.
My Citizenship Certificate
DD Anna, Esther and Connie
Mark my wonderful husband, sweet Anna and the Judge
My friends Rex, Connie and Esther. Thank you for coming and celebrating this special day with me. Rex filmed the whole ceremony, thank you Rex! I know my wonderful Rabbi really wanted to be there, but was unable to attend due to being sick, thank you Rabbi for your love.
This room is a beautiful work of art. There is a picture of everyone of the first thirteen states painted near the ceiling. These columns are real marble.
Celebrating afterwards at a downtown restaurant.
Esther, Anna and Mark
Connie, myself and Rex.
We were given several special letters...one of them was from the President, a flag, and several wonderful books. Very neat!!!!!
I thought some of you might like to read the oath and the pledge.
United States Citizenship Oath
"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 law; that I will perform noncombatant 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."
Pledge of Allegiance
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all."
May the Lord continue to bless America!
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