Twenty men and woman from across the State took the Oath of Allegiance at the Middletown City Hall today, June 23rd at 1:00 pm and became citizens of the United States of America. The new citizens, most accompanied by supportive friends and family, represented 16 countries on four continents.
The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Stefan R.Underhill, US District Court, District of CT who noted that those present were helping to make the American dream a reality. Following the administration of the Oath by Judge Underhill, all present joined in an enthusiastic reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Philip Cacciola, Commander, American Legion Milardo-Wilcox Post 75, Middletown.
The Star-Spangled Banner was then sung by three young ladies representing the Middletown High School Choir.
James Spallone, Deputy Secretary of State was present to congratulate the new citizens and encourage them to let their voices be heard by registering to vote. Most took advantage of the registrars who were present and ready to process the new voters on the spot.
Judge Underhill expressed a special ‘thank you’ to Arthur Meyers, Director of Russell Library for his contribution to the success of the day’s Ceremony.
The solemnity of the occasion was broken by rounds of applause and congratulatory hugs as Judge Underhill presented each of the new citizens a Certificate to mark the occasion. Judge Underhill posed for photos and encouraged everyone to savor the day and create memories with photos. The Ceremony ended in a festive atmosphere of celebration.
3 comments:
Hopefully they were able to recite the unedited version and include the words "under God."
Actually the "under god" version is the edited version.
This is the original unedited version as written in 1892 by the christian socialist minister Francis Bellamy.
"I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
1923 changes were made..."I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
By the 1950's the Cold War was in full swing.We can't be like those godless commies.Led by New Haven's own Knight of Columbus, various religious political groups lobbied Pres Eisenhower and Congress to amend the Flag Code of 1942 to include "under god".
Thanks to Rick for setting the record straight. I guess some people forget or regret that there is separation of church and state in America. Anyone who wishes to thank their almighty beings or say prayers in commemoration of their citizenship or any other occasion is free to do so and that is what is great about religious freedom here in America. Its just going to be before or after or on their own time outside of the official governmental proceedings. Nothing wrong with that at all.
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