Today I had the privilege of attending the naturalization ceremony at a special session of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire at the Warren B. Rudman U.S. Courthouse in Concord.
After getting in line to go through security (very much like going through security at the airport ), I found a seat and immediately was overcome with the significance of this event. There were 78 people from 37 countries arriving for this last step to becoming citizens. They filed into this impressive space, smiling, clutching folders and papers, looking around, looking for friends and family, greeting seat mates. Expectation was in the air.
I could only imagine what the journey had been like for the men and women I saw. However, there was a clear sense that each person would hold this day in her or his heart forever. As the presiding judge reminded us, we all share the immigrant experience. I was fortunate as my grandfather paved my way. Our country’s history of welcoming others is full of failures, but on a day like today, I’m reminded that we keep trying to honor the promise of opportunity, one of America’s important values.
KATHLEEN ROONEY
Concord