Proud new citizens

  • Published
  • By Tim Norton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  During a special naturalization ceremony held at Heritage Hall Conference Center, 17 current and former military members were transformed into U.S. citizens on July 1.

Representing the 482nd Fighter Wing, Col. Melvin Giddings, 482nd Maintenance Group commander welcomed the applicants and over 50 family members and friends. He expressed the great honor to have Homestead ARB host this extremely important event.

"For those of you that wear the uniform now or then, you more than anyone else understand the importance of protecting the freedoms we enjoy so much," Col. Giddings said.

Ms. Linda Swacina, Director, Miami and Caribbean District Nine, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), officiated over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Allegiance.

"This Saturday we will commemorate the anniversary of July 4, 1776. As we pay tribute to the courage and dedication of our nation's founders, we also honor the service and sacrifice of all military personnel, including those of you who were foreign-born, who have served and continue to serve in the cause of freedom and the dream of liberty," Ms. Swacina said during the keynote address.

"Today as we welcome you, I ask you to join with us and stand together to honor the creed of liberty that is our country's heritage - your heritage," Swacina went on to say.

Before the ceremony was concluded the new citizens representing nine countries, watched a special congratulatory video from President Obama and sang together Lee Greenwood's, "God Bless the USA".

After the ceremony, Col. Giddings escorted the new citizens to the flightline for a tour of an F-16 fighter jet and a group picture.

According to CIS officials, approximately 6,000 citizenship candidates in approximately 50 special ceremonies are held across the United States and overseas each year. Only five of these ceremonies are for members of the U.S. Armed Forces.