YOSEMITE – Beneath stunning clouds and deep blue skies, gazing out on a magnificent and iconic vista, it was a delightful day to become a citizen of the USA.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, forty-five people from across the globe became naturalized United States citizens at Yosemite’s famous overlook, the Glacier Point amphitheater.
The diverse group of newly naturalized citizens hailed from around the world, including the countries of Cambodia, China, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, India, Mexico, Pakistan, and Russia.
The special ceremony was in commemoration of Constitution and Citizenship Day, a combined event that is observed annually to note the formation and signing of the Constitution of the United States. The day also recognizes those who have become naturalized U.S. Citizens already.
The ceremony featured Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher, United States Magistrate Judge Michael Seng, and representatives from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, who provided remarks and administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens.
Also present were officials Mari-Carmen Jordan, Jonathan Crawford, and Lynn Quan Feldman of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Yosemite’s Mounted Patrol conducting the flag ceremony.
This is the fifth ceremony the park has hosted. Ceremonies were also conducted at several other national parks in honor of United States Constitution and Citizenship Day.
The new citizens were joined by their family and friends as they celebrated the end of their journey to become American citizens. Fittingly, following the ceremony, they celebrated by supping on apple pie.
