NORFOLK
Puffy white clouds in the blue skies above Waterside. Perfect breeze. Special day.
Ian and Keyauntay Co sat munching fresh veggies and enjoying the summer sunshine.
Ian is from the Philippines. And now he is a brand new citizen of the United States.
"The dedication and the pursuit of freedom is what makes the United States," said Co, a hospital corpsman at Sewells Point Medical Clinic. "This country influences other countries. A lot of people from my country aspire to be here. I'm so grateful."
And proud.
Co, 32, was one of 41 military men and women from 25 countries who, on this Fourth of July, took part in naturalization ceremonies at Town Point Park. They were sworn in by Chief Financial Officer Rendell Jones of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Around the world Saturday, as far away as Iraq, nearly 500 servicemen and women also took their citizenship oaths.
Shornette Richardson, stationed aboard the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge, was born on St. Vincent, one of a chain of islands near Barbados. She enjoyed seeing President Barack Obama on a screen above the field, she said, as he welcomed the new citizens.
"He told us we're now open to all opportunities, but it's in our hands," said Richardson, 26.
And Massamba Sarr, a native of Senegal, snacked as he awaited friends he planned to share the afternoon with. Sarr is stationed aboard the aircraft carrier Enterprise. He's a cook who wants to be a lawyer.
"We can't get deployed without being a citizen," he explained. "I'm going all the way. I'm going into law, into human justice. This is a first step."
For the new citizens, life was good on Saturday.
"I'll always remember this Fourth of July," said Co, smiling at his wife, who is an American.
The couple said they'll tell their first child, due in February, about the perfect summer day.
Linda McNatt, (757) 222-5561, linda.mcnatt@pilotonline.com
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Notice the difference???
You will all kindly note the difference here--THESE people WORKED to become U.S. citizens--they became naturalized Americans by doing it the RIGHT way! They weren't granted citizenship with NO EFFORT on their part whatsoever, nor were (or ARE they!) expecting a hand-out. They became Americans because they WANT TO BE, and they expect to assume citizenship WITH us, and become a part OF us. This is the way it is supposed to be, and these proud, new citizens of America are to be congratulated!
New American Citizens
I served five years in the US Navy during the Vietnam War before I became a US citizen. I retired after 22 years, and I can honestly, say this, those illegals who demand so much and have done nothing should start to question themselves before they demand benefits from the government. To the new citizens--congratulations and welcome to the greatest nation in the world.