DAR helps with naturalization ceremony
The General Davie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently,assisted with a Naturalization Ceremony at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Center, Raleigh-Durham Field Office. It was inspiring to all who participated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James Gates administered the Oath of Allegiance to 61 new American citizens from 36 different countries.
Patriotic songs, as well as “The Star Spangled Banner,” were performed on the flute by DAR member Sherry Handfinger.
Sam Powell, dressed as George Washington and representing the National Society Sons of the American Revolution, gave the keynote address. In his inspirational speech, he said “I don’t know what compelled you to submit yourself to the naturalization process — perhaps economic, political, social or religious reasons. I have to think that you did it to better your life and the lives of your family.
“All our citizens — naturalized or native-born -- must seek to refresh and improve their knowledge of how our government operates under the Constitution, and how they can participate in it and understand our shared history. Only in this way can they assume the full responsibilities of citizenship and make our government more truly: of, by and for the people.”
Giving each new citizen a flag, a flag key chain, The Flag Code, and voting information were: From General Davie Chapter (Durham), DAR: Linda Hester, Joyce Holcomb, Sherry Handfinger, Collette Cousins, Carolyn Parker, Pam Umstead, Sharon Harris, Jane Hogan and Fran Ferrell, regent. From Warren Chapter (Warrenton) DAR, Connie Thacker, and from Battle of Alamance Chapter (Burlington), DAR, Karen Powell.
The Oath of Allegiance
“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.”