I cannot BELIEVE that we are DONE!
Philip's Oath Ceremony was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. today in
Indianapolis. As I mentioned before, a special outdoor ceremony
was held on the lawn of Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President of the
United States.
We were scheduled to arrive at 8:30. We got there about an hour early
to avoid traffic into the city and to score a good, safe parking space
for our new vehicle!
We sat in the truck for about a half hour and played "spot the soon-to-
be citizen." We walked up at 8:00 and registration began shortly after.
There were 103 people scheduled to take the Oath today, but it only
happened for 97. I think there were a few no-shows and a few who were
turned away.
39 countries were represented.
Once all of the Citizens-To-Be were registered and seated, we waited for
the ceremony to begin.
A surprise guest arrived, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels!
The ceremony began and it was so moving. The residing Judge was
tremendous! It lasted just over two hours and included an introduction
of all the attendees who were asked to announce their country of origin.
They were then presented with a desk-style flag/stand and a handshake by
the young children in the audience.
They took the Oath and were welcomed by the Governor and other political
representatives as well as the head of the Indiana and Indianapolis Bar
Associations, who gifted them with booklets about the laws of our Nation
and applications for voter registration.
The oldest person taking the Oath, a septuagenarian from Somalia, was
honored with a flag that had flown over the Capital. The youngest
celebrant, and 18 year old from China, led us in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
The Governor and Judge then called each person forward and presented
their certificates for Naturalization. They took the time to pose for
photos. The Judge gave everyone a box of sparklers with which to
celebrate their first Independence Day.
There were representatives from the Social Security Administration to
pass out applications for necessary changes. The USPS was also on-site
to complete passport applications and take passport-style photos. We
took advantage of this!
The Boy Scouts of America and Daughters of the American Revolution
offered plenty of bottles of water, lemonade and cookies.
Philip thought that I'd be the only person with him today, but he was
surprised to see my parents arrive with a long-time family friend and 3
of our close friends. We had a fun pub lunch afterwards.
I'm sad to report that I did see people nodding off and many who had
tightly closed mouths during the Oath.
I don't know if we would have made it without the knowledge, support and
encouragement from the people here! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Jen
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