Posted on 07/25/2005 12:32:58 PM PDT by dead
BAGHDAD (AFP) - A total of 147 foreign-born US military personnel serving in Iraq gathered inside a former Saddam Hussein palace to be granted US citizenship.
In a mass ceremony the soldiers, sailors, and airmen, along with one marine and a navy medic, simultaneously raised their right hands and swore to "support and defend the constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
Those sworn in as US citizens came from 46 countries, with the single largest group born in Mexico (27), followed by the Philippines (15), Jamaica (nine) and Nicaragua (eight) and Nigeria (five).
Other nations of origin included China, India, Taiwan and Vietnam. There was even one Iraqi-born soldier.
The ceremony, in the giant indoor rotunda of the Al-Faw palace, in Baghdad's Camp Victory military base, was led by Lieutenant General John Vines, the commander of the Multinational Corps in Iraq.
Three officials from the naturalization branch of the US Department of Homeland Security were also present.
"Welcome into that exclusive club called American citizenship," Vines told the group.
Army Specialist Maridel Cardona-Herrera, 31, who was born in the Philippines, could only find one word to describe both the event and the giant rotunda inside ornate palace where the event took place: "fantastic."
The event was the largest such ceremony overseas since citizenship rules were modified in November 2003 to make it easier for US military personnel to become citizens in times of war.
Military officials require recruits to be permanent US residents to join the military, but citizenship is not a requirement.
There are 45,000 non-US citizens currently serving in the US military, said Linda Dougherty, one of the US government civilian officials at the event.
Brought chills and that big lump in the throat. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the post.
I believe they will all obey their oaths to the United States. It makes me happy to see this.
Excellent. Real America at work.
So cool it is impossible to describe.
"I believe they will all obey their oaths to the United States."
Unlike Senator Durbin who violated his oath to uphold Aricle VI, Clause 3 of the US Constitution during his questioning of Judge Roberts.
My cousin, who was born in the Philippines, is in the U.S Marines, and as far as I know, he isn't a citizen yet, but he is on the fast track to citizenship.
This is the best example the United States of America can show to the world what citizenship means to us. But will the MSM carry this story? Don't hold your breath, ay?
Viva America!
And all I had to do was to be born in the United States.
I am humbled and, at the same time, proud that these are now my fellow soldiers and CITIZENS.
HOOOOOOOOOAH! (indefinite re-enlistment here!)
That palace is amazing. The marble is incredible. Then you see the parts that the JDAM's hit and its just the typical brick and mortar construction behind it. All the shiny arabic script on the walls within hands reach were stolen, the chandeliers had glass instead of crystal, etc, etc.
Still, it is amazing so much money was put into this place, then within 5 minutes you are driving past mud huts along a highway with no guardrails.
Wow, that must've been something to attend!
Totalitarianism at its best. And people wonder whether or not we should have taken down Saddam Hussein. I never had a doubt.
My hearty congratulations and welcome to 147 new U.S. Citizens!
And a BIG welcome to your cousin as well. I hope his "citizenship day" comes very soon. ;o)
Forgot the "Kleenex" alert ... brought a tear to my eye ...
Thank you for this post.
May the Lord protect and return them to their new homeland.
God bless them, every one.
Just wow.
:) :) :)
Very good!
Tissue Alert! Tissue Alert! (also lump in throat alert!) Congratulations and God Bless these new American citizens!
Yet another fine example of soldiers believing in their country. I wish the libs had such honor.
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