Photo By Maj. Jeffrey Parker | In the forefront of the flag that has welcomed millions from around the world, Spc....... read more read more
BAGHDAD — The Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum was presented to Congress as the words for the seal for the United States of America on July 4, 1776. Half-way around the world from its origin, the phrase which means "out of many, one" held significant meaning for 236 service members, at the Naturalization Ceremony held here, at the al-Faw Palace, July 4.
Among those who raised their right hand and recited the oath of citizenship, Spc. Benny Ares, 8th Military Police Watchdog Brigade, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, took the final steps towards officially becoming an American.
"This is something I've always wanted to do." said Ares. Ares, a Dominican Republic native, has been a legal resident since coming to America in 1979, at age 10. He said it wasn't until he became a human resource specialist that he had the most problems, "Because of my legal status, I couldn't receive the security clearance needed."
"I feel a great sense of pride of what I have accomplished in the past few years but there was still something missing and that was my citizenship." Working in Manhattan as a concierge for 14 years, Ares didn't follow a presumed path into the military shortly after high school. It wasn't until June, 2006, that he joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and following a 2007 deployment, went on active duty, July 2008.
Later this fall, Ares will be returning to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, along with the rest of the 8th MP Watchdogs, here... not as he arrived, but as "one."
"Nothing will make me more proud than to serve in the military and serve my country as a United States citizen," Ares said.
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2009 05:10 |
| Story ID: | 36057 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 92 |
This work, Watchdog becomes 'out of many, one', by MAJ Jeffrey Parker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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