America Welcomes New Citizens
Words such as “all men created equal” and “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” have a special meaning for 25 people who were naturalized as U.S. citizens at Harmony Hall on the Fourth of July.
“Vote, become involved in your communities and share with us your cultures,” said Albert Delia, director of federal relations for East Carolina University.
Vicente Medina came to the United States 18 years ago from Mexico and was greeted with a hug after being naturalized from co-worker Joyce Belcher.
“I came here to work and to have a better life,” he said.
That was the reason for most of the naturalized citizens from Anguilla, China, Colombia, Guyana, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, Vietnam and Yugoslavia.
“I’m humbled by people who want to become an American citizen,” said U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C. “you help make America even greater.”
Presiding over the ceremony was Chief United States District Judge Louise Flanagan.
“You are free people, free to exercise your rights,” she said.
Sunny Giwon Lee-Valle came here from Korea for more freedom and to participate in government activities such as voting.
“I’m real proud of her,” said Valle’s husband, Victor.
Medina’s son, Edgar, was also proud of his father as he watched him become a United Stats citizen.
Two of the citizens being naturalized showed up in military uniforms and a roar of applause was given as they received their certificates.
All of Medina’s children were born in the United States and his wife is applying for citizenship in the near future.
This was the second consecutive year the ceremony was held in Kinston on Independence Day.
Kinston Free Press
July 5, 2006
Katie Marshall can be reached at (252) 527-3191, Ext. 251, or kmarshall@freedomenc.com.
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