Community Corner
New U.S. Citizens Proud to be Americans [VIDEO]
Ret. U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter and Gov. John Lynch urge 105 former New Hampshire immigrants to assume the responsibility that accompanies U.S. citizenship.
Marie Luzha of Laconia dreamed of becoming a U.S. citizen when she was still in her native land of Kosovo.
As her husband, Shaban Bgira, and their son, Rezart, 2, watched, Luzha took the oath along with 105 other New Hampshire immigrants administered by retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter at Strawbery Banke Museum on Independence Day.
Luzha said she still could not believe she is now a U.S. Citizen as she held onto her citizenship certificate following the U.S. Naturalization ceremony held during Strawbery Banke's "American Celebration."
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At approximately 11:15 a.m., Souter finished administering the oath and said, "Congratulations on being citizens of the United States."
The crowd, which also consisted of dozens of friends and family members of the new U.S. citizens, erupted in applause and cheers. All of them had to live in the U.S. for at least five years and take required classes at the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization office in Concord to achieve this milestone in their lives.
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Souter urged the new U.S. citizens to understand as well as the defend the principles contained in the U.S. Constitution, which is something he said many Americans do not fully comprehend.
"I know you'll know enough to do that and that's why I'm glad that you are one of us right now," Souter said.
Gov. John Lynch said the Declaration of Independence that was signed by 54 representatives of the 13 American colonies in Philadephia on July 4, 1776, clearly states "that all men are created equal" and that all men have the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
"The recognition of these right is what makes us Americans," said Lynch. He added the beauty of America is "the possibilities are endless."
Lynch urged the new U.S. citizens to participate in their communities civic affairs, get involved and most importantly, to vote, which is a right that many Americans have given their lives to preserve.
"Make the most of it. Your America can be anything you want it to be," Lynch said.
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