By Don Steen
Staff Writer n reporter@psci.net
The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial welcomed 47 immigrants on their final steps to citizenship Thursday morning in its chapel. The guests of honor hailed from 29 countries, spanning every continent. As of last week they all had one thing in common, they are Americans, and they all began that new chapter of their lives in the place where President Abraham Lincoln grew to manhood.
The Sons of Union Veterans presented colors for the naturalization ceremony. Judge Matthew P. Brookman of the United States District Court of Southern Indiana officiated the special court session to formally administer the Oath of Citizenship. The proceedings began with a rendition of the National Anthem by Shane Denu, who was quickly joined by a chorus of new citizens.
Judge Brookman has presided over many naturalization ceremonies, but he was particularly glad to be back at the Lincoln Memorial for this year.
“This is really sort of hallowed ground, a really formative place for Abraham Lincoln,” said Brookman. “It really shows how important this place was to Abraham Lincoln and how important he was to America and all its future citizens.”
The Judge noted that the Oath of Citizenship, and the often-difficult naturalization process in place today, traces its roots back to the Basic Naturalization Act of 1906. Prior to that federal law, immigration and citizenship operated at various state-level courts with varying standards.
Apart from the rich history of Lincoln’s Boyhood home and the immigration process over the past century, Brookman mused on all the stories that came together under the same roof that day. A list of origin countries was read aloud, spanning from the mountains of Nepal to Libya and beyond.
“It always amazes me just how small the world has become,” said Brookman. “You all have a story to tell about where you’re from, but you’ll all be U.S. citizens. Share your stories. Every one of you has a unique story of how you got here.”
The Oath of Citizenship centers on the renunciation of all past loyalties, and the pledge to lend all talents and knowledge to one’s new homeland. After administering the Oath, Brookman urged all new citizens share their time, talents and (through taxes) treasure going forward.
One tradition unique to naturalization ceremonies at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is to have the youngest new citizen lead the hall in the Pledge of Allegiance. That honor went to Raghav Khokhar, who is currently serving in the United States Army.
Also present for further remarks were representatives of Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks, as well as Congressman Mark Messmer. Allie St. Germain of Senator Young’s office offered the new citizens welcome and congratulations, noting they had the honor of joining the ranks of American citizens on the nation’s 250th anniversary. Linda Yoakum of Senator Banks’ office commended the new citizens for their hard work in completing the arduous naturalization process and “setting an example for future generations.” Denise Harris, speaking for Congressman Messmer, stated that all 47 immigrants can now claim to hold one of the most desire titles in the world, American Citizen.
Also present for the ceremony were representatives from the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Southwest Indiana League of Women Voters. Collectively, they ensured the event was filled with American flags and opportunities to register to vote in upcoming elections.
Superintendent Rhonda Schier encouraged all those who formally became Americans that day to think of the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial as a special place, both in their lives and the life of the American Republic. She hoped they would return through the years to explore the park and the legacy of President Lincoln’s formative year’s here. Schier added that Lincoln, as much as any citizen, recognized the power not only of law, but of moral conscience and the lessons learned in this corner of Indiana. She hoped the land and people that hosted their citizenship will inspire them, and be inspired in turn by them.
“Welcome to this community of national stories,” said Schier. “You will take those same paths as American citizens.”
Featured Photo: New citizens take their Oath of Citizenship at the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial Center’s chapel.
