A Naturalization Ceremony 1-2 p.m. Friday, May 10 at Fort Union National Monument. Photo by Richard GonzalesFUNM News:
WATROUS ― Fort Union National Monument is hosting a Naturalization Ceremony 1-2 p.m. Friday, May 10.
This is an opportunity for individuals to earn American citizenship and take the Oath of Allegiance at a backyard National Park. This Oath of Allegiance will be taken by applicants as they will be granted citizenship after all their hard work in learning what it means to be an American.
As new U.S. citizens, they will now be entitled to the same rights, obligations and opportunities as all other Americans. These new citizens will have the ability to vote, hold public office, carry a U.S. passport, serve on a jury, work for the U.S. government and serve as an officer in the armed forces.
Historically during Fort Unions 40 year existence many people volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army to become U.S. citizens. During the Civil War period African American and Irish American soldiers influenced the modern vision of national citizenship. By bearing arms for the Union, African Americans and Irish Americans exhibited their loyalty to the United States and their capacity to act as citizens; they strengthened their American identity in the process.
The community is invited to attend this Naturalization Ceremony 1-2 p.m. Friday, May 10.
About Fort Union:
Fort Union (1851-1891) was the largest frontier military post and supply center of the southwest. The National Park Service preserves and protects the historic Fort Union and ruts of the Santa Fe Trail. To visit the monument, take Exit 366 off I-25 at Watrous onto N.M. 161, 8 miles. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Fort Union National Monument at 505.425.8025. Find a free APP about Fort Union National Monument in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Visit www.nps.gov/foun.
