The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
‘WE THE PEOPLE’
31 take oath as new citizens during immigration naturalization ceremony at Garfield Historic Site
Kristyn Vines told her mother that a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.
After all, what’s a 50-minute ceremony compared to 48 years?
Smiling, and considering her daughter’s point, Susan Lorraine Vines knew it was just a matter of minutes before she herself would at long last become an American citizen.
After moving to the United States at the age of 10, Vines, a Mentor resident, and originally from Peterborough, Ontario, said it was time to make it official.
“I’ve been here so long and have raised a family here. This is the country. I feel more patriotic than many of our athletes. For years I’ve been a resident, but today, finally, I’m an American citizen.”
And, of course, it had to happen, Kristyn detailed, as Susan Lorraine’s parents took the oath of citizenship back in 2000.
“This is an ‘it’s about time’ moment,” Kristyn laughed. “But we couldn’t be more proud of her. Normally, you don’t hear
kids saying that about their parents, but it’s true. This has always been something she’s wanted to do. I mean, 48 years is a long time.”
Successfully meeting all federal citizenship requirements, Susan was one of 31 individuals who happily and earnestly took oath of citizenship during an immigration naturalization ceremony July 6 at James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor.
The event, in recognition of the Fourth of July, is planned in partnership with the League of Women Voters, the Citizenship and Immigration Service of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
Site Manager Todd Arrington feels Garfield’s home is the perfect place to welcome newly sworn-in citizens.
“President Garfield’s life was the embodiment of the American promise that you can accomplish anything if you work hard and constantly strive to learn and improve,” he said, addressing the crowd. “Similarly, you have come to America to seek better lives for yourselves and your families, and they are now part of that promise that makes our nation unique in the world.”
Congratulating the newest
members of “the American family,” William H. Baughman Jr., of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio in Cleveland, also urged them to remain devoted and vigilant to their families, their fellow citizens and to the United States.
“I am grateful and you have my respect,” he said. “The preamble of the Constitution begins with the words, ‘We the People….’ and today you have joined ‘We the People.’ You are now members of a democratic republic established by that foundational document. Go make your voices heard and embrace your responsibility to vote.”
State Sen. John Eklund,
R-Munson Township, state Representatives John Rogers, D-Mentor-on-theLake, and Ron Young, RLeroy Township, and Lake County Commissioners Jerry Cirino, John Hamercheck and Dan Troy were also in attendance to welcome the new citizens.
“To be an American is not a matter of creed, birthplace or national descent, but of the soul and spirit,” Hamercheck said. “Be mindful to be on guard and avoid those who would seek to divide us along the lines of birthplace or national origin. Being an American does not mean surrendering your heritage — it simply means we stand united under one flag as brothers
and sisters.”
In turn, Rogers said each citizen’s oath of allegiance adds to the richness and diversity of America, adding that the ceremony is symbolic of the realization, diligence and sacrifice embraced by those seeking a better life.
“This great country of ours, of yours, is a place of tremendous opportunity, where people from all walks of life, of all nationalities, religions and beliefs can aspire to do and achieve great things. As a citizen of the United States, you will have the demanding but rewarding privilege of working to create a better life not only for yourself, but for those you love.”
“This great country of ours, of yours, is a place of tremendous opportunity, where people from all walks of life, of all nationalities, religions and beliefs can aspire to do and achieve great things...” — State Rep. John Rogers