The day I thought would never arrive has finally come; my naturalization oath.
It was scheduled for 2:30pm. Me and my wife arrived about 15 min before. Security allowed cameras and cell phone for oath only (although officer reminded everyone at oath that all cell phone must be turned off). We were fist asked to stand in line and hand in our filled out and signed oath letter at front desk (it's ok to fill this out and sign it before hand) . The front clerk looked at it real quick, kept oath letter, asked us if we had green card and then told us to go to oath room (which is on same 1st floor on right right after security). As you enter oath room, a person is there to collect your green card and you are then asked to be seated by row. There were about 10 rows with about 15 people in each row. They didn't mention total people there, nor did they mention countries of origin (which would have made it more personal). At 2:35pm the ceremony began. The acting field director Gretchen (Corkin?) began the ceremony with a video about the importance of becoming a US citizen, followed by her (and applicants) reciting the oath. She must have been new and nervous at this as she had to read word per word , page per page during the entire presentation. Too bad she didn't add a little bit of life to the ceremony...the event was rather subdued. She then had an applicant read the pledge of allegiance, and then watched a short video of President Bush (reminded me of SNL skit
) . Then there was a final video song (Lee Greenwood's Proud to be an American)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOc6wv9s1wA
Finally, Gretchen congratulated us in becoming citizens, and instructed us to pick up our certificates row by row on our way out. She also let us know that voting registration could be done right outside room. We opted not to stay as it was rather crowded in reception and we will register to vote online instead.
The ceremony was over by 2:50pm and we were outside by 2:55pm..very efficient process I must say, despite it being a little lifeless. I must give Durham DO an "A" for effort as they are new and still have a few kinks to work out.
It was a surreal experience for me and my wife, as we have been waiting for this to be over and done for over 1 year now(436 days to be exact) . We celebrated by going to a restaurant (Cleveland Ale House) and ate outside in the beautiful Carolina weather.
In the coming days I will apply for passport and go to SS office to change of status to citizen.
I'd like to thank everyone who has participated (and continues to participate) in this forum with their experiences and valuable information . It made me realize that others had to endure the same waiting game I did.
I'd also like to dedicate the oath ceremony to all the applicants who have come from difficult countries and/or backgrounds and who have realized their life dream of becoming US citizens. Being a Canadian myself , US naturalization doesn't change much for me personally (apart from a sense that the US is now my home). However, it does make me realize that naturalization means much more to those who have struggled throughout their lives, and have finally achieved freedom. To all of you , I salute you; it's your turn now to live the American dream.
If any of you have questions feel free to ask me. And to all of you still waiting (especially those in Raleigh who are still waiting for interview or oath), hand in there..your wait will soon be over. ..
