U.S. District Court judge George B. Daniels administers the U.S. Citizenship Oath of Allegiance to 30 new citizens during the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance Ceremony Tuesday in the Amphitheater
LILY RESLINK
Staff Writer
At 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Amphitheater, 30 people hailing from 18 countries completed the process of becoming U.S. citizens in Chautauqua Institution’s first naturalization ceremony.
The ceremony, with an estimated audience of around 2,400 people, according to Amphitheater staff, opened with remarks that were instructional and congratulatory to new citizens, as well as information about the speakers’ respective organizations. Introduced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Officer Cavarello, these remarks came from League of Women Voters representative Mary Croxton, Buffalo Passport Agency representative Tracy Sloan and Daughters of the American Revolution representative Mary Lou McFate.
Interim Chief Advancement Officer and Senior Director for Community and Belonging Amit Taneja shared his pride, the ceremony’s connection to Chautauqua’s mission and his personal connection as someone who completed his own naturalization ceremony nine years ago.
“I know that becoming a citizen is far more than completing a legal process,” Taneja said. “For many, it represents years of perseverance, courage, sacrifice and hope.”
He said this ceremony has drawn the largest audience of any hosted by the USCIS regional office and he thanked all who made it possible. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz followed with remarks “to welcome the newest members of the American family” and recognize the “arduous task of becoming a citizen.”
Poloncarz said, “There is no more powerful position than a citizen.”
His remarks contained a call to action to “carry that banner of what really was an unfinished revolution.” He also tasked citizens with remaining informed.
A new citizen holds an American flag while listening to Daniels speak.
Judge George B. Daniels of the Southern District of New York convened the court.
“The United States has endured for these past 250 years because our system of government gives each generation the ability and opportunity to correct our previous shortcomings,” Daniels said.
His remarks began with referencing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
“We are a nation covered by the power of laws, not the power of any one person — no president or other elected official, no wealthy citizen and no powerful institution stands above the Constitution and the rule of law,” Daniels said.
He said the nation does not require its citizens to think alike, worship alike or come from the same place, but it asks people “to commit themselves to the principles that bind us together.”
He asked what else it means to be a citizen, and then answered, “Just look around.” He said, “To become an American, you will have accepted the rest of the world as your country.”
Addressing the new citizens, Daniels said, “Every new citizen adds to the strength of our nation. And those of us who are fortunate enough to be born here sometimes forget and take for granted what you have worked so hard to earn.” He said the naturalized citizens’ presence is a reminder that “being an American is not simply a circumstance of birth.”
“Our country is stronger because you are now a greater part of it,” he said. Daniels offered an official welcome to new citizens and as fellow Americans.
This segued to the administration of the U.S. Citizenship Oath of Allegiance, for which the new citizens repeated after Daniels. To follow, singer Kurt Elling and pianist Lara Downes performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A new citizen from Canada led both the citizens and the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
As certificates were issued, new citizens threw their hands in the air, waved U.S. flags and showed their certificates to the audience with big smiles. People walked alone and with family members; loved ones from the crowd jumped and waved flag-wielding hands. Some relatives walked citizens across the stage; one mother walked hand in hand with her young child. All new citizens shook hands with Judge Daniels.
Buffalo Day founder Dennis Galucki, who initiated the ceremony at Chautauqua, offered closing remarks after the presentation of certificates.
He emphasized the “pursuit of happiness,” and said, “We owe it to ourselves to find out what that means.” He said this pursuit includes “lifelong learning” — a sentiment he extended to the new citizens and everyone alike. Galucki invited all to return to Chautauqua.
Finally, Daniels adjourned the court.
Family members of a new citizen cheer as they receive their U.S. Certificate of Citizenship.
