by David Chapman
Staff Writer
U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard admits her courtroom isn’t always the happiest place to be. But for 50 U.S. new citizens and their families Thursday, it was difficult to not find a smile.
Morales Howard presided over the latest naturalization ceremony at the Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse that featured new U.S. citizens from more than 25 countries celebrating the final step in their work toward citizenship.
“It’s the only day everybody in the courtroom is happy,” said Morales Howard. “It’s a privilege to witness your achievements.”
Each of the newest citizens came from different places, had different stories and came from different backgrounds, said Morales Howard, but the one commonality was each individual’s dedication toward making the most of the opportunities U.S. citizenship provides. Countries of origin included Bosnia, Italy, Iraq, Haiti, Lebanon and Colombia among others, with the Philippines representing the largest group of those sworn in.
A video message from President Barack Obama welcomed each new citizen and reminded them that it was “now officially your country” and to “remember that in America, no dream is impossible.”
Shannon Miller, a decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast, shared her story and echoed the sentiments of others, telling the group to choose their destiny and “dare to dream.”
“Today is your Olympics,” she said.
Following the remarks of encouragement from Miller and others, the new citizens came to the front of the courtroom, one by one, to receive their certificates and meet with Morales Howard and others for photo opportunities taken by family and friends.
Following the ceremony, Morales Howard strongly encouraged each of the newest U.S. citizens to take the initial step in one of the honored privileges Americans have by registering to vote. The Supervisor of Elections office had a station set up outside the courtroom to do just that, with many of the sworn-in taking advantage of the convenience.
Boy Scout Troop 522 of Ortega United Methodist Church presented and retired the colors, while soloist Elliott Wimes provided his rendition of the national anthem.
The ceremony, though, didn’t overshadow the achievement each of the newest citizens accomplished.
“It’s a remarkable day,” said Morales Howard.
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