My wife and I, along with 1023 new U.S. citizens took the oath of allegience yesterday! Wow! What a feeling.... I can't really explain it because it's taking time to sink in.
We were part of a mega ceremony in Austin yesterday that lasted well over 4 hours with all the pomp and grandeur of a 17th century Patrick Henry band and a 50 member orchestra! It was the largest ever naturalization ceremony in Austin's history. Yes, we were tired, but excited at the same time. It was extremely well organized and efficient. Gov. Rick Perry was there along with other high ranking officials.
The day started at 11 am when we were asked to file in at different sections of the Delco Center. After waiting in line for about 1 hour, we turned in our green cards (actually a USCIS rep. stapled
it to the oath letter/N-445) and then we made our way into the auditorium. There were 12 no-shows (wonder what in the world would prompt someone to miss an oath proceeding). The ceremony began with the orchestra playing various patriotic tunes. Then the raising of the flag was done by the Patrick Henry marching band. The judge then presided over, went through some judicial formalities and introduced various members of the Federal Bar of Austin. After speeches by the governor, chief justice of TX., and USCIS director Mario Ortiz..... and nearly 2 hrs. later, we recited the oath and pledged allegience to the United States! We then all filed out in order and received our Naturalization Certificates on the way out. Just like that 4 hrs. flew by.....
I want to thank all on this board who helped out including the mods and the sponsors who make this thing hum. Without you, I would have spent a lot more restless nights wondering about my interview, oath, name check, etc
Take care and keep it going!
Peace!
We were part of a mega ceremony in Austin yesterday that lasted well over 4 hours with all the pomp and grandeur of a 17th century Patrick Henry band and a 50 member orchestra! It was the largest ever naturalization ceremony in Austin's history. Yes, we were tired, but excited at the same time. It was extremely well organized and efficient. Gov. Rick Perry was there along with other high ranking officials.
The day started at 11 am when we were asked to file in at different sections of the Delco Center. After waiting in line for about 1 hour, we turned in our green cards (actually a USCIS rep. stapled
it to the oath letter/N-445) and then we made our way into the auditorium. There were 12 no-shows (wonder what in the world would prompt someone to miss an oath proceeding). The ceremony began with the orchestra playing various patriotic tunes. Then the raising of the flag was done by the Patrick Henry marching band. The judge then presided over, went through some judicial formalities and introduced various members of the Federal Bar of Austin. After speeches by the governor, chief justice of TX., and USCIS director Mario Ortiz..... and nearly 2 hrs. later, we recited the oath and pledged allegience to the United States! We then all filed out in order and received our Naturalization Certificates on the way out. Just like that 4 hrs. flew by..... I want to thank all on this board who helped out including the mods and the sponsors who make this thing hum. Without you, I would have spent a lot more restless nights wondering about my interview, oath, name check, etc
Take care and keep it going!
Peace!
Last edited by a moderator:
. He talked about what the Green Card meant and how now with USC, we are free to participate fully in this democracy. The main thing is that he spoke with passion and you could raelly feel his genuineness.
