Marquette, Mi.–March 22, 2018
I believe there is a special song for every moment,feeling, and special occasion in life.
The only thing missing from this mornings celebration was Ray Charles singing his soulful rendition of “America the Beautiful”.
I was fortunate enough to see a friend of mine become a U.S. citizen today. She is originally from Finland and as of this morning is an American citizen.
I have never been to a ceremony like this before and am here to say it was touching and beautiful!!
20 people were sworn in today and the Marquette courtroom was filled with those who were there to become U.S. citizens. Families and friends shared the joy.
We recited the Pledge of Allegiance, a performer in uniform sang for us, flags were held by children, and there was a solemn excitement in the air as the judge addressed the crowd.People from Finland, China, Brazil,Iran, India and Vietnam were asked to stand as they recited their oath of citizenship. Local, regional and state officials took a few moments to speak to those of us gathered in the historic courtroom before the newest of American citizens were called to receive their citizenship.
I barely held it together as a stoic Finn! (I almost cried but my grandparents who immigrated from Finland to the Copper Country would not have liked that.) It was grand! It was momentous!It was beautiful! It was something to celebrate!
If you ever have the opportunity to attend a swearing in ceremony for new U.S. citizens, I highly recommend it!
I’m sure Ray Charles was singing today. I know I was.
The Workday Wind Down with Kris Kyro
