This should be on every U.S. Citizen's 'Bucket List'...

One week, last fall, we received word that my ten year old daughter and her class would be attending a Naturalization Ceremony at the Federal Court House here in Concord.

She arrived home from school and, with the enthusiasm and energy only a child can display, blurted out that not only would her class be attending the Ceremony but that she and one other student 'won' the chance to lead the Pledge of Allegiance alongside the presiding Judge!

In case you are interested, we did go and buy her a new dress and shoes for the occasion. After giving the thumbs down on countless dresses running the spectrum from strapless to bustier style, we settled on a very cute gray dress adorned with glass beads and a pair of black and cream ballet flats.

Fast forward to the big morning; my daughter was up before the alarm (unheard of these days), ate breakfast, showered, had her hair and teeth brushed and backpack ready to go with five minutes to spare. Again, since we're typically giving a countdown to 'The Bus' that would rival NASA, it was clear this was a big day for her.

The ceremony was scheduled to start at 9:00. At 8:45, I arrived and as I walked up the granite stairs and entered through the revolving door, it occurred to me that I'd never been in the Federal Court House before. Lots of first impressions but mostly, and especially in light of the reason for being there, I was simply in awe. It was a type of awakening and realization of the fact that, in forty four years, I'd never once been involved in or observed this process. Then there was the two-story high bronze statue with the Scales of Justice. It was a very significant moment for me that would pale, moments later, when I walked in to the Court Room atop the stairs...

It's a huge room, beautifully appointed with stone and wood. This room was absolutely full. There was a panel of folks providing representation from various sectors. There were folks from The Elks Club, from the American Legion, the U.S. Senate and even the Governor himself was there. Aside from the esteemed panel, there were probably two to three hundred guests and family members who'd come to bear witness. Off to one side were Faith's classmates and her teacher. Most important was the group of people who humbled what had just been a very significant moment in my life. The 80-plus people, representing 39 different countries. As I sat waiting for the ceremony to start, I imagined how each person must have had an incredible story to tell. Perhaps stories of a painful past, hardships, persecution, love lost, love gained and all had one common thread: A wish, dream or desire for life in the United State of America. It is not an easy process for someone to go through and it takes great perseverance and dedication. Logically, I could only conclude that passion was woven throughout the group as well.

Making these observations, I felt warmth. Not the kind that screams of hundreds of people in a room with no ventilation. It was the kind that makes you feel like you're being hugged. The kind that makes you feel a part of something else and, in this case, something much, much bigger than yourself.

Governor Lynch approached Faith's class and started chatting with them. Camera flashes started going off and I silently cursed myself for not even trying to bring in a camera (I was uncertain of the security regulations, so I left it at home). Then I wondered if it was okay to curse silently in the Federal Court House.

Upon the entry of a few clerks at the front of the Court, the room quieted, save the occasional chatter of those too young to understand the significance of what was about to happen. For the first time, I noticed two women with strong, ebony faces who were wearing the most beautiful head and body dresses. They were absolutely stunning and the emotion and pride emanating from them was tangible. Sounds hokey, but there you have it. And the mist started rolling in...

We were ordered to rise as the judge was announced and entered the room to take his seat. He gave a heartwarming welcome to all in the room. He spoke of the significance of the ceremony, the commitment of the 80-plus people and their families. He talked about the core values of our country, what we stand for, how we came to be and why we are so strong today. His tone changed only slightly when he mentioned those who attempt to divide our country and those who try to destroy what we, as American citizens have built, support, love and honor. He gave a clear and unwavering promise that American citizens have and will ALWAYS stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of any threat. He finished this salutation by emphasizing the importance of the gift and responsibility each of these people were receiving today.

After introducing the esteemed guests, as well as my daughter's class, he asked each of the Immigrants to rise and repeat the “Oath of Allegiance” after him. Two things struck me; First, the voices were strong and sure as they repeated every word, in a language not native to them, with their right hands raised. Second, some court room staff, I don't know their titles or roles, walked around the group, ensuring that right hands were (in fact) raised and everyone was standing. The mist was turning to drizzle....

Next, the judge announced that the fifth grade class would be singing two songs to mark the occasion. The voices that came out of these kids were beautiful. Now, I always get choked up at the National Anthem at athletic events and such but this was VERY different. As this group of kids sang God Bless America and This Land is Your Land, tears of pride streamed down my face and, unlike my typical behavior, I didn't wipe them away. Even if they weren't looking, I wanted to display how an 'every day' American Citizen is moved by the society in which we live, what we stand for and how lucky we really are. One of the men from the American Legion (79 years old at his own admission) walked to the podium and sang The Star Spangled Banner, Every person in the room stood, hands over hearts, and sang with such emotion that the waterworks, at this point, were full on.
When all was said and done, I walked out of the Court House with a lighter step and my head held a bit higher. I felt absolute pride in my daughter's small role in the ceremony, and overall pride in our country and it's 80-plus brand new citizens!!