Citizenship Ceremony, Faneuil Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Faneuil Hall has been a meeting place and marketplace in downtown Boston since the 1740's and is now part of the Boston National Historical Park. Periodically, ceremonies are held in it's main meeting room for the final oath of citizenship for new immigrants to America.

On this beautiful spring day in June, 400+ new applicants gathered in the meeting hall to achieve their dream of American citizenship.

At the stroke of high noon.......

.....under the watchful eyes of President George Washington and his trusty bug-eyed steed...

...with friends watching in the gallery.....

....our friend Graham became a welcome citizen of the United States of America today.

Our nation of immigrants continues the melting pot tradition with folks coming together from all over the world.

The oath was administered under the oversight of a United States Federal Judge who reminded us all that each of us is either an immigrant or a descendant of one.

Graham and the others swore allegiance to their new homeland.

The smiling face of a brand new citizen.

Family and friends were gathered outside Faneuil Hall to welcome the new citizens following the ceremony.

Graham proudly displays his Certificate of Naturalization....

...and poses with friends who came to witness his special moment.

The judge also mentioned in his remarks two critically important responsibilities that each of us has in this democratic republic: to serve on a jury of our peers, and to vote. Amidst the strident political rhetoric we so often hear, it is easy to lose sight of how important those two acts are to our system of government and justice.  Next time you complain about jury duty or having to go to the polls to vote, think about the fact that for billions of people on this planet, they have neither opportunity.

So often, all we hear and read are disparaging comments about, and how reviled America is, according to our many detractors around the world. As evidenced by this ceremony though, and others like it throughout the United States, we are still the beacon of hope, freedom, and opportunity for any and all who dream of a better day. And they willingly and proudly pledge their allegiance to their new homeland. Congratulations to Graham and welcome home!