LARNED — As part of the observance of Constitution Week, a naturalization proceeding was held Wednesday afternoon inside the Quartermaster’s Storehouse at Fort Larned National Historic Site, six miles west of Larned. The Honorable Gwynne E. Birzer, a United States Magistrate Judge, presided over the event where 33 people were welcomed home to the United States for the first time.
They came from eight countries — Vietnam, Mexico, Somalia, El Salvador, Burma, Canada, Somalia and Ethiopia. A United States District Court clerk administered the Oath of Citizenship and granted each one the rights and responsibilities of United States Citizenship.
Fort Larned Superintendent Betty Boyko and Larned Mayor William Nusser provided opening remarks. She spoke of the partnership between the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service and the National Parks Service, through which new citizens have the opportunity to take their Oath of Citizenship at some of the country’s most significant places.
“Places full of natural wonders, and cherished history,” she said. She added that this week, in recognition of the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, the nation is celebrating Constitution and Citizenship Day to recognize all of those who have become citizens. “How appropriate that you are here today to become citizens during this special anniversary.”
After she completed an overview of the history of Fort Larned, Nusser took the podium.
“Your future is now in your hands,” he said. “There is no distinction between a natural born and a naturalized citizen, no limitation on where your talents and abilities can take you.”
Nusser also spoke briefly of the great privileges and also the great expectations the new citizens would receive and shoulder as they work to make this a great country.
Representatives from Senator Pat Roberts and Congressman Roger Marshall’s office were also present.
A representative from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service introduced each candidate by name. As they were called, each in turn stood, preparing to take the oath.
“Each has been found to be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of these United States, and feels disposed to the good order and happiness of the country,” she said. “The investigations on behalf of the country have been completed and each one has been found to meet all of the requirements of the law to be naturalized.”
They recited the Oath of Citizenship in unison.
Keynote address
Dr. Leo Oliva, a former Ft. Hays history professor, author and founding member of the Santa Fe Trail Association and Old Guard, gave the keynote address. He shared inspiring stories of several personal acquaintances from Europe and Asia who became naturalized citizens and went far with their educations and careers. Among them was the first female U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright.
He added quotes from past U.S. presidents, including Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy and Johnson, who spoke of the importance of immigration. He touched on the topic of race, acknowledging that racism continues to be, “a serious problem today in the U.S. and other nations, even though scientists have long ago proven there is only one race, the human race, and we are all a part of it.”
He quoted recently deceased U.S. Sen. John S. McCain:
“Respect for the dignity of every human being, no matter their race, ethnicity or other circumstances of their birth, is the essence of American patriotism. To believe otherwise is to oppose the very idea of America. People have come to this country from everywhere, and people from everywhere have made America great.”
Oliva looked out at the 33 faces before him. “We congratulate you, and we welcome you to the United States.”
The Larned High School Band, accompanied by choral music performer Philip Dixon, presented “America the Beautiful.”
The the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, Birzer congratulated the new citizens, who one by one met her at the stage, took her hand and posed for photos with Birzer and their family members in attendance.
There were many smiles, affectionate and congratulatory hugs, and hands extended with congratulations from those in attendance.
The Larned Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Ft. Larned Old Guard hosted a reception for the new citizens and their guests immediately following the ceremony.
