Our Newest Citizens

I cannot tell you how touching this all was. Just being with 600 people - many of who were children becoming citizens - was enough to bring a lump in my throat. But then to hear the addresses and to take the vow of citizenship for my child while she contentedly waved her little American flag... It brought tears to my eyes several times. To hear 2 older children lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance - the first time they had said it as citizens of the United States - it was very touching.

The whole experience brought home to me what it means to be a citizen of this great country. I hope that I will never take it for granted again. It is a precious gift that was given to me at birth and it has now been given to my child. First I want to thank the US Congress and Senate for allowing this bill to become a law. I want to thank all the adoptive families, friends, and relatives who worked hard to call this to the attention of the legislature. Without all the hard work of the above people, we'd still be mired in the old process.

I also want to thank all that were involved in special celebrations of citizenship throughout the United States this week. You did a great job! I also want to congratulate all 75,000 children on their new status as United States citizens! Congratulations to all! And most of all, I want to congratulate my own little daughter. Mom loves you sweetheart! Congratulations!

Now I suppose we will be planting a "Citizenship Garden" this year for her. I wonder what that might look like. Hmmmmm.

© Linda Mazar

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