FORT LARNED — The Fort Larned National Historic Site was the setting for 32 people to become citizens of the United States of America in a naturalization ceremony on a hot and windy Friday afternoon. They came from as far away as Nigeria, China and Vietnam, or as near as Mexico and Canada.
The Honorable J. Thomas Marten, United States District Court Judge, presided over the ceremony. Following the Color Guard Advancement by the Kansas National Guard, Betty Boyko, Fort Larned Superintendent, and Larned Mayor William Nusser made opening remarks and welcomed the new citizens and their families to the Larned community.
Following the introduction and motion for new citizenship, these 32 new Americans took the oath for United States citizenship. Great Bend attorney Robert Feldt, an immigrant himself, addressed the new citizens. The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and photos of this most important occasion. The Larned High School Band, directed by Jenny Colglazier, and Jim Roessler provided music for the afternoon. A reception, provided by the Fort Larned National Historic Site, immediately followed the ceremony in the Quartermaster Warehouse.