Underneath a canopy of trees, the picturesque Delaware River as a backdrop, 49 lives changed forever on the morning of Thursday, July 18, at Pennsbury Manor, the former estate of William Penn in Morrisville.
In unison, these individuals, who hailed from more than 20 countries, including Poland, South Africa and Afghanistan, raised their right hand, swearing to renounce allegiance to foreign states, support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, and bear arms on behalf of the United States. After stating these promises, all officially became U.S. citizens.
This was the sixth time Pennsbury Manor was utilized for a Naturalization Ceremony by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Despite the humidity, proud smiles could be easily spotted on the faces of the new citizens, as well as family and friends who came for support.
According to Doug Miller, Pennsbury’s historic site administrator, it can take some people up to 15 years to achieve citizenship.
“Whether you’re on the left side of the aisle or the right side of the aisle, no American can take exception to the new citizens that have followed every one of our laws to get there,” he said.
It’s a major feat, and, in Miller’s opinion, Penn’s home is the perfect location to conclude that journey.
“For us, when people take the oath of citizenship, they accept rights of jury and trial by jury, freedom of religion and representative government. In part, Penn’s governmental work laid the foundation stones for our current constitutional government. It’s a way that we can make contemporary Penn’s contributions,” Miller said.
While his fellow governors only recruited colonists from England, Penn branched out to all of Europe, an act that gave him the title “grandfather of the melting pot.”
“Each time that a new generation of new American citizens comes in, it’s kind of touching that legacy,” Miller said. “This is one of our favorite days here at Pennsbury Manor.”
The presiding judge of the Naturalization Ceremony was the Honorable Linda K. Caracappa, chief magistrate judge, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
“It’s just a wonderful day for me because I hear stories about friends that I never knew. Everybody has a story as to where their parents came from or their grandparents,” Caracappa said, adding how her grandfather came to the U.S. from Italy at the age of 5. “It’s always a heartwarming day.”
Sharing a similar sentiment was Robert T. Repko, Esq., president of the Bucks County Bar Association, whose great grandmother emigrated from Eastern Europe 90 years ago and took the same oath.
“That was something she was always very, very proud of. It was something that was discussed fairly often in my family by both my great-grandparents,” Repko said. “This really is a celebration of citizenship. Moments like this allow people like me, who were fortunate enough in some ways to be born as a U.S. citizen, to really look at what being a citizen actually means. And it means a lot.”
Brian Mintey, immigration services officer, presented a motion to Caracappa, who happily approved the naturalization of those present. Mintey explained how, prior to the ceremony, the 49 individuals were examined of their oath by a designated officer. They were required to demonstrate an understanding of the English language and knowledge of the history and principles of the U.S. government.
“Each has been found to be a person of good moral character,” Mintey said.
On behalf of the new citizens, Austin DuSak Yang, formerly of South Korea, shared how he came to America in 1999.
“For 20 years, I worked here, married and had children,” he told the crowd. “Now, I want to call this nation my home country.”
After the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Jillian Miller, the names of the naturalized citizens were called, and each came forward to receive a certificate. They were then invited to explore Pennsbury Manor and stop by the League of Women Voters’ table, where they had the opportunity to register to vote. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
