Seaman Joel Parodi-Perez, a Sailor assigned to USS Constitution, was naturalized aboard ‘Old Ironsides’ during a ceremony held July 2.
With over 150 people in attendance, U.S. District Court, Massachusetts, the Honorable Judge William G. Young administered the Oath of Allegiance to 25 pending citizens, representing 18 nationalities, who all became U.S. Citizens aboard America’s Ship of State.
Parodi-Perez has been a member of Constitution’s crew since July 2018.
“I feel like it’s a great honor and a big privilege to be naturalized especially with USS Constitution being my first duty station,” said Parodi-Perez.
USS Constitution’s 75th commanding officer, Cmdr. Nathaniel R. Shick, stated about the first naturalization ceremony held aboard this year, that he was proud of his Sailor and the other individuals who strived to become citizens.
“As our nation celebrates the day where we declared ourselves independent from the British crown, let us reflect on the values, the inalienable rights, enshrined in the Constitution. Americans have a solemn obligation to participate in our democracy, so that it remains vibrant, strong, and responsive to the needs of our citizens.”
Shick closed his remarks with a challenge.
“Today, as you stand aboard America’s Ship of State, waiting to make your vow of allegiance, I charge each and every one of you to look within yourselves and seek out your own way to help keep our nation as a beacon of freedom and equality, now and for all generations to come.”
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalizes approximately 680,000 new American citizens every year.
USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.
Designated America’s Ship of State, Constitution and her crew engage in community outreach and education about the ship’s history and the importance of naval power to more than 500,000 visitors each year.
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2019 17:17 |
| Story ID: | 330141 |
| Location: | MA, US |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Constitution Crewmember Naturalized Aboard America’s Ship of State, by PO2 Casey S Scoular, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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