During Saturday’s Naturalization ceremony at Bandelier, 18 candidates from nine countries took the oath to become citizens of the United States. Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com
USCIS Officer Peter Rechkemmer opens Saturday’s Naturalization ceremony at Bandelier. Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com
Staff Report
For the fourth year in a row, Bandelier National Monument has partnered with the United States Citizenship and Naturalization Services to host a July 4 naturalization ceremony at the park.
This 4th of July, 18 candidates from nine countries, after working for years to fulfill their requirements, took the oath to become the newest citizens of the United States. The new citizens are from China, France, Iraq, Jordan, Mexico, the Phillipines, South Korea, Ukraine and Vietnam.
The ceremony began at noon behind the Bandelier Visitor Center. Keynote speakers were noted author, poet, music teacher and Los Alamos Living Treasure Stephanie Sydoriak, herself an immigrant (from Ukraine); and Bandelier Superintendent Jason Lott. In addition, Michele Jacquez-Ortiz spoke to the crowd, representing New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation.
During the patriotic ceremony, Eagle Scouts from Troop 129 paraded the colors and Alicia Solomon sang the National Anthem. Members of the Herrera Family Dancers from Cochiti Pueblo presented traditional dances, providing a link with the early inhabitants of the area. The Rotary Club of Los Alamos provided refreshments and flags, gifts and flowers were presented to the new citizens.
For the fourth year, Atomic City Transit provided buses for participants and others attending Saturday’s inspirational event.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services Public Affairs Officer Arwen Consaul. Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com
For the fourth year in a row, the Rotary Club of Los Alamos provides refreshments including this year’s cupcakes decorated with a patriotic theme, to the crowd gathered at the Fourth of July Naturalization Ceremony at Bandelier National Monument. Photo by Leland Lehman/ladailypost.com