19 New U.S. Citizens Naturalized In Md. On Veterans Day
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Every Veterans Day, a different kind of ceremony is held.
Alex DeMetrick reports it mixes tradition with the country's newest citizens.
The Coast Guard cutter "Taney" survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and is a natural setting for Veterans Day, and for a naturalization ceremony.
Families gathered to see 19 candidates for citizenship, some of whom are current and former members of the U.S. military.
"Serving the country is an honor, and I feel pretty good about it and it's a great day," said Pfc. Eugene Fominyen, U.S. Army, Cameroon.
"Feels wonderful. Today is a day of double importance, Veterans Day plus me earning my citizenship," said Gareth Winter, USMC Vet, Jamaica.
While Veterans Day is the backdrop for this ceremony, in Maryland 20,000 people a year become U.S. citizens.
"An individual has to have a green card for approximately five years and then apply for citizenship," said Gregory Collett, U.S. Citizens & Immigration Services. "When they do that, they go through a series of tests, testing knowledge and history of the United States and their proficiency in English, among other things."
Those taking the oath of citizenship come from countries scattered around the world, adopting a new home to start new lives.
"Get more opportunities to go to school, to stay here when I get out of the military too. Serving my country, of course," said Spec. Saxone Hedger, U.S. Army, Micronesia.
Formally welcomed by the country today, a moment to savor, and share with future generations.
Around the country, there were 40 naturalization ceremonies tied to Veterans Day welcoming 3,000 new U.S. citizens.
Other Local News: