Musings: Ah, the joys of naturalization
New U.S. citizens at a special naturalization ceremony at Fire Island National Seashore Lighthouse on Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: Lauren Chenault
I recently had the privilege of witnessing a naturalization ceremony for 121 new Americans from 39 countries at federal court in Central Islip with U.S. Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks presiding.
The new citizens’ joy was evident, and their aspirations likely were the same as my grandparents’ dreams of over 150 years ago and my husband’s of over 60 years ago, when they decided to become Americans.
Their diversity is the foundation of America’s strength and enthusiasm the backbone of our boundless opportunity and freedom. Wicks quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson: “America is another name for opportunity.”
And so our democracy will continue and thrive. The judge said one of the responsibilities of citizenship is to vote, and he urged them to exercise that.
To maintain our democracy of nearly 250 years, we need more active voter participation from all citizens. It would be a good deed if more people attended these ceremonies to welcome the future of our nation with gratitude and congratulations.
— JoAnn Flora, Baldwin
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