Courtesy Photo | A crowd of 259 service members from throughout Iraq gather at the Al Faw palace in...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jason Thompson
Multi-National Division - Baghdad
BAGHDAD – "You've studied, worked hard and sacrificed and now you are citizens of the United States of America. Congratulations. America's a welcoming society. We welcome not only immigrants like you, but the many gifts you bring, and the values you live by – hard work, entrepreneurship, love for family, and love of country. Attaining your citizenship is a defining event in your life. Today, America is not only your home; it's your country. With a single oath, all at once you became as fully American as the most direct descendants of the founding fathers."
These are words that echoed throughout the main corridor from a recorded speech by President George W. Bush, congratulating the new citizens of the United States of American after they proudly recited the oath of citizenship.
Standing under a glittering chandelier, along with 255 of their fellow service members, were four Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division's Special Troops Battalion. They gathered, April 12, into the marble hall of Saddam Hussein's former Al Faw Palace, took the oath of citizenship – and left as American citizens.
The congregation vowed to "support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America against all enemies," an abstract promise with an even deeper meaning here as the Soldiers chose to endure the same sacrifices as their fellow comrades in arms to preserve the freedom of a land that was not yet fully theirs, said Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, commander, Multi-National Corps - Iraq.
"Our nation's unique quality is that it weaves the world's cultures into a great American tapestry, and our military benefits from their strengths," said Austin. "Thank you all for sacrificing so much for the United States and for the Iraqi people."
The ceremony was a momentous event in the lives of each of the participants of the ceremony as each individual's story of why, when and how they migrated to the United States in search of peace, freedom and the American dream.
"This is a great day for me," said Spc. Muorwel Malual, 31, a linguist with STB, who also said that he migrated to Denver at the age of 26 in search of safety while his home country of Sudan was involved in a civil war.
Malual said after living in America for about three years, he wanted to give back to the country and people of America, who had welcomed him with open arms.
"I was proud before to serve in the American military," said Malual. "I was proud to stand up for my neighbors, who had welcomed me into their country, and now I am proud to say that I am a citizen of the same country."
Spc. Assegid Mekonen, 25, a personnel security crewmember with STB, followed in his older brother's footsteps when he migrated from Ethiopia in November 2004 to live with his brother in Tacoma, Md., in search of a better life.
"My brother moved to America about 10 years before me, and he helped a lot when I moved," said Mekonen. "I was happy just living in America and living with my brother. Now, I can say that I am an American, and I look forward to the many opportunities that I will have as a result."
Mekonen also said he is most looking forward to the ability to vote in upcoming elections and is looking towards a reenlistment to continue serving for the country in which he now a citizen.
Spc. Mubarak Angalo, 36, a linguist from Sudan, and Pfc. Estela Calvillo, 20, a supply specialist from Mexico, both with STB, also gained their citizenship during the ceremony.
"You're now an important part of American democracy," concluded President Bush's speech. "You're entitled to the full promise of American life; equal rights, justice and opportunity. You've also made a commitment to respect the laws of this land, to support your country, to respect the rights of others, and to live up to the responsibilities of citizens. I am proud that you are now Americans and I am honored to be your President. May God bless you, and may God bless America."
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2008 11:21 |
| Story ID: | 18680 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 80 |
| Downloads: | 58 |
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