From Coast to Coast, Judiciary Celebrates New Citizens
What is it like to become an American citizen? Video clips from 16 federal courts show a unique day in which 8,500 immigrants were naturalized as part of a coast-to-coast celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The federal Judiciary conducted a total of 29 naturalizations Sept. 16-18, with more than 1,500 school students participating or observing.
The six-minute video montage begins with a reading of the Preamble by Manhattan schoolchildren, and in a series of video snapshots shows the joy and solemnity of naturalization. The video also includes the welcoming remarks from judges, the taking of the oaths, and the reflections of federal judges, new citizens and students on what it means to be American.
Ceremonies are included from Anchorage, Alaska; Auburn, Alabama; Cleveland; Des Moines, Iowa; Indianapolis; St. Paul, Minn.; Montezuma, N.M.; New Orleans; New York, Oklahoma City; Philadelphia; Sacramento; San Antonio, Texas (Alamo); St. Louis; Staunton, Va.; Washington, D.C. (National Archives); and Yosemite National Park (Glacier Point).
The Judiciary for the first time this year coordinated a national day of naturalizations to honor Constitution Day, which honors the signing, on Sept. 17, 1787, of the U.S. Constitution by delegates at a convention in Philadelphia.
The event was organized in partnership with the Civics Renewal Network, a 26-organization consortium dedicated to civics education of which the U.S. courts are a member.
For more information, see the U.S. Courts Educational Resources page, and this page on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Or see additional resources at the Civics Renewal Network.
Related Topics: Events and Ceremonies