Service members become US citizens during Veteran’s Day naturalization ceremony

Photo By Master Sgt. Caleb Barrieau | Service members hold U.S. flags provided to them after becoming U.S. citizens. Fifty service members from across Iraq took the Oath of Allegiance and became U.S. citizens during a Veterans Day Naturalization Ceremony sponsored by United States Forces-Iraq at Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory, Iraq.  

CAMP VICTORY, IRAQ

11.11.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Iraq

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Fifty service members deployed in Iraq took the Oath of Allegiance and became U.S. citizens during a Veteran’s Day Naturalization Ceremony in Al Faw palace.

The service members, who came to America from 29 different countries include 39 active duty soldiers, seven national guardsmen, two reservists and two sailors. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of United States Forces-Iraq, presided over the ceremony.

During the event, Austin spoke to the new citizens about serving in the military and defending the United States before it was officially their country.

“You appreciate the opportunity that American citizenship provides and you are eager to give back to the country through your service in the Armed Forces,” said Austin. “You have been given a gift and you are giving a gift in return.”

Austin also told the service members that their presence adds to America.

“You are a very special group of people and America is a better nation for including you as its citizens,” Austin said. “You are all hard-working, goal-oriented, and service-minded. You help make our country great by adding to its diversity. After taking the oath, the service members all received a certificate of citizenship and a U.S. flag as a memento of this historic day in their lives.

“I have always felt American,” said Pfc. Yiraldy Aloma, a native of Panama City, Panama, who now serves as a supply specialist with the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. “But now I have the paper, and I can call myself American. And it’s an honor to serve, especially to serve the country that opened its arms for me.”
Each year on Veterans Day the United States honors those who have sworn to defend the nation. For these 50 service members, Nov. 11, is not just a day the nation thanks them for their service, it is also the day they swore their allegiance to America and called it their own.

• Date Taken: 11.11.2010
• Date Posted: 11.11.2010 12:08
• Story ID: 59924
• Location: CAMP VICTORY, IQ