The other day I was introducing myself to fellow golfers on the first tee when one of them remarked: "You're not from around here, are you?" I replied: "No I'm not. I'm from east of Meridian." Then after a brief pause, I added: "about 4,000 miles east." I was born in England to British parents. I would like to tell you how I became a United States citizen. But first let me relate how, recently, 19 people became naturalized citizens about the time of the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. The ceremony was held here in Jackson at one of the two history museums.
Arrangements were made by Arthur S. Johnston who is clerk of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. He generally holds four sessions each year spread around the district at different venues such as the four courthouses in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg and Natchez. The local chapters of the DAR support the ceremonies by their presence and by providing gifts for the new citizens.
The U.S. District Court Judge for this naturalization ceremony was Judge Kristi Johnson. She presided over a smaller than usual group of prospective citizens. The 19 petitioners were from 17 different countries. She said "Today is a day of celebration--not just for each of you and your families, but for our nation. As you take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become citizens of the United States, you do so in a truly remarkable year: the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding." She continued: "Today, we're all fortunate to witness the culmination of tremendous effort and dedication these individuals have put into becoming U.S. citizens. I commend each of you for all your hard work and perseverance, and I am honored to be a part of your special day. Congratulations!"
Judge Johnson then introduced several statewide officials before swearing in the new citizens. The ceremony continued with a solo by a Germantown High School alum: America the Beautiful. The judge then administered the Oath of Allegiance to all of the applicants and presented the naturalization certificates to each.
That is a brief summary of the naturalization ceremony here in Jackson a few days ago. Let me tell you about my own experience many years ago.
On November 13, 1957, I left England on the Cunard ship S.S. Saxonia with $177 and a train ticket in my pocket. After intermediate stays in Canada, Seattle, San Francisco, New York and Houston, I moved to Chicago in 1969. Then in 1971 I decided to become a U.S. citizen. I attended a swearing-in ceremony on March 30, 1971, in the District Court in downtown Chicago. There were about 300 people naturalized at this time. Several people were from Eastern Europe which was then under communist occupation.
The presiding judge entered and said how privileged he was to perform this ceremony. After we were all sworn in as new citizens, we were invited to a reception. Several officials were there to address us. They said how honored they were, what a favor it was to participate. Then they asked if we would like to say anything. Many of the new citizens told of their struggles against communism, and how thankful they were to become Americans.
I had not experienced these tribulations. Certainly, I had survived the Battle of Britain as a child during WWII. A bomb had exploded 75 yards from our house. But we had not been invaded. We had not lost our liberty or our freedom to worship God.
My reasons for becoming a citizen were different. True, my new country was a land of opportunity, but I thought of what the Judge and other officials had said: "I am honored, I am privileged, what a favor it is for me to be a part of this ceremony." So I got up and said that I didn't have a dramatic escape to recount. But I really did appreciate the true welcome that had been extended to us. WE were the ones who were honored, WE were the ones who were privileged and favored. That is how I felt then, and that is what I believe now.
I love this country, and I am thankful to be an American.
Peter Gilderson, Madison.
