'And A Good Time Was Had By All'

Being a first generation American, I have more than a passing interest in the history of U.S. immigration, but frankly never gave much thought to the naturalization ceremony itself. A dear friend of ours became an American citizen recently, so my wife and I got up at 6 a.m., and trotted down to Tampa and witnessed an unusually emotional and patriotic ceremony in the Tampa Convention Center.
I had thought we'd be ushered into a small, uninspiring government office with the obligatory American flag on a pedestal somewhere in a corner and a picture of George Bush on a wall - along with a handful of people who would look like they just got off the boat at Ellis Island. Not so. Most were well dressed. I saw one man in what had to be a tailored suit, holding the hand of his son who looked to be about 5 years old, and he too was dressed like a diplomat. This was to be their shining moment.
We were directed to a massive convention center meeting room with a stage that sat about 10 officials of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the "INS" or Immigration and Naturalization Service) which is now a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In attendance were 476 hearty souls for the morning proceedings - and we were told that 513 were scheduled to be sworn in that same afternoon!
The ceremony was conducted by Officer Brett Rinehart, who you would never guess was a government employee. He has all the skills of a professional master of ceremonies. Rinehart made the event both festive and yet moving with remarks laced with humor, but also capturing the somberness of the moment. Everyone was stunned to hear that this group represented people from 83 different countries, such as China, Mexico, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cambodia, Argentina, Union of South Africa, Ghana, Russia, Belarus, Netherlands, and, yes, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, to mention but a handful.
All those becoming citizens were given small American flags. Each country was called out by name, and those who were born there were asked to stand up for applause while they waved their little flags. Rinehart called out "South Dakota" after South Africa and everyone automatically applauded and then laughed. It became quite emotional, when towards the end, all those hundreds of flags were waving in the air. A large screen up front streamed video of various historical and patriotic scenes during the ceremony, and ended with a congratulatory message from George Bush telling all how the U.S. has been "enriched by generations of people" from all over the globe who gave us "hard work, love of family and love of country."
Rinehart reminded all that with their oath of citizenship they became Americans ... a country of peace. He welcomed them to "one of the greatest places" on Earth - that it is "in your hands" we have placed the future of this country; that they now have the "power" to do great things.
The oath of citizenship was followed by the group singing "The Star Spangled Banner." You could immediately tell these people were already true Americans to the bone as they struggled mightily through a song that was never intended for the human voice. (The Marine band, maybe) Every American knows this is why in grade school auditoriums we only sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" - also known as "America."
We all then faced the flag with hand on heart and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, being led by an 11-year-old girl whose mother had just taken the oath of citizenship. That will be a moment in her life she will never forget.
A video recording of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" with streaming patriotic images was a tearful moment for many. No song has become more a part of America's patriotic cultural landscape.
Of the 83 countries represented, some do not have the warmest feelings for the other. Some were, or are now, outright hostile to the other - including the United States. But not here in this setting. It brings to mind Robert E. Lee's advice after the Civil War, "Abandon your animosities and make your sons Americans." That was precisely the sentiment of these joyful, brand new Americans. A lesson for all of us.
And a good time was had by all.