Posted on 12/21/2005 7:53:22 AM PST by BenLurkin
BAGHDAD (AFP) - On a day their grandchildren will surely hear about, 66 soldiers from 30 countries became US citizens in a sumptuous palace built by Saddam Hussein at Baghdad's airport.
"You are truly the best that America has to offer," Lieutenant General John Vines told Sergeant Ambar Penelope Gonzalez from the Dominican Republic, Specialist Collins Umoh from Nigeria and their fellow servicemen and women.
They were given a certificate, a US flag that had flown over the marble Al-Faw palace, at Camp Victory west of Baghdad, and two standing ovations by senior US officers and enlisted personnel.
"This is better than getting the bronze star," Umoh said in reference to a top military honor for heroic or meritorious achievement.
For Gonzalez, 25, becoming a US national "gives a sense of freedom, of confidence, especially as a woman", adding that she now wanted to see "how far you can go within the society and the community".
Having moved to New York City at the age of three, she "grew up with the American ideal" but had never taken part in an election, something many Iraqis did for the first time one week earlier.
"If you don't vote you have nothing to say" about who governs you, or in the case of Gonzalez, your commander in chief.
Umoh enthusiastically added: "I can't wait for the next election!"
He also looked forward to the "freedom of a US citizen to travel without being bothered because of your color".
Foreign soldiers pursuing careers in the US military have seven years to decide whether they will become citizens or leave the service, and some do both while remaining committed to eventual non-combatant service if required by law.
Gonzalez has decided to "take a break from the army" and finish a degree in dance before launching a second career in forensic pathology.
She handles nutritional care at a hospital near the Abu Ghraib prison west of Baghdad and admitted that initially, "I didn't know what to expect, that was the scariest part of all."
Describing the culture shock experienced by both Americans and Iraqis she said: "It still amazes me they don't know how tall they are, their weight or their birth date."
Umoh's specialty is administration in Saddam's hometown of Tikrit, but he is to leave in May, join his family in Providence, Rhode Island and earn a degree in nursing before applying to medical school.
"When you take care of someone older than you its a blessing," he explained.
They were presented by Major Angela Hildebrant, whose mother is from South Korea and who felt "blessed to be stationed in Iraq at this point in history".
All three strongly defended the US invasion that toppled Saddam in April 2003, with Umoh saying: "It doesn't matter if you're Iraqi or American, we're trying to make this a better place."
Hildebrant added: "We all want to get through the day with our dignity intact and food on the table."
When asked what they had learned from Iraqis, spiritual and family values topped the list.
"They are very religious, they take pride in that and their family," Umoh said.
One of his more dangerous tasks is providing security for Tikrit municipal council meetings, and he was impressed that entire families attended the events.
Gonzalez noted: "The fundamental things in life are always there, religion, family and community are very strong."
Hildebrant underscored "how strong the human spirit is" in Iraq.
The sparkling ceremony was held in a three-story pillared rotunda lit by a brilliant chandelier and Christmas tree.
Gonzalez said earlier of her nationalization: "Right around Christmas time, it's a perfect present to give your parents."
"Specialist Collins Umoh (L) from Nigeria and Sergeant Ambar Penelope Gonzalez from the Dominican Republic, hold their certificate and a US flag that had flown over the marble Al-Faw palace, at Camp Victory west of Baghdad, 20 December 2005, during a naturalization ceremony. This week 66 soldiers from 30 countries became US citizens in a sumptuous palace built by Saddam Hussein"(AFP/Bill Ickes) Email Photo Print Photo
You won't be reading any articles like this in the Times.
Congratulations to these men and women. They are true patriots!
Excellent!
I was lucky to be born an American, they have truly EARNED that right. God bless them!
You honor us, who honor you!
He also looked forward to the "freedom of a US citizen to travel without being bothered because of your color".
Guess he hasn't been listening to Je$$e Jack$on or AlSharpton.
What makes America the greatest nation in the world. God Bless 'Em.
Welcome my fellow Americans. It is so good to have you.
Thank you for defending us.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.