Red Hill Holds Annual Naturalization Ceremony for 30 New Citizens

By: Shannon Kelly, Altavista Journal News Correspondent

Though the skies were gray and drizzly at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill on May 29, the weather could not suppress the sunshine radiating from the beaming faces of America’s newest citizens. 2018’s United States naturalization ceremony took place at the famous Patriot’s home with the swearing in of 30 new citizens from 21 different countries.

The process of obtaining citizenship takes years to complete. Achieving it at last is a tremendous cause for celebration for those who have striven so long. Suman Nalluri, a physician, and his wife, are from India and had been working toward citizenship for 17 years. The couple had two children after moving to the U.S. Nalluri most looks forward to being more a part of the American community.

Madiha Knah came to the U.S. as a child from Pakistan, and she is thrilled to join the rest of her family in citizenship. American citizenship will allow the medical student to fulfill her goals of travelling as a missionary to other countries. “Before, with my Pakistani citizenship, it was very limiting,” she explained. “There were certain countries I couldn’t go to without a Visa… it feels really good to have that freedom now to do that, and represent America.”

The ceremony opened with a student choir from Timberlake Christian Schools performing a selection of Patriotic songs. Reverend Chris Kesler of Midway Baptist Church then gave an invocation. Patrick Henry Jolly, the fifth great-grandson of Patrick Henry himself, delivered a brief address in full colonial costume. All rose for the Honorable Norman K. Moon, Senior United States District Judge, as court opened. After members of Chatham High School’s Junior ROTC presented the Colors, Judge Moon led the citizen applicants in the oath of citizenship. With right hands raised, they pledged their allegiance and fidelity to their new country. Glowing with pride, they approached the Judge one by one as their names were called to receive their certificates of citizenship. When everyone had received their certificate, Judge Moon announced: “I now declare that you are citizens of the United States.” The applause rang long and loud as both native and new citizens cheered. After a brief address reminding citizens of the privileges of their responsibilities and rights and a charge to use them responsibly, Judge Moon opened the floor to any of the newest Americans who would like to share their thoughts on this high day.

“Hello, my fellow citizens of the United States of America,” greeted Christina Witcher. “I started this journey from my small village in Ghana, about 30 years ago. And today – this is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice! God bless America; God bless you. And I love you all.”

“This has been a long, long journey for the past 20 years,” said Syvil Atieno Manoah, who was a schoolteacher in Kenya. “I am so grateful, because if I was at home, there’s no way I would have been who I am now. So I am thankful, and I am the happiest human being on earth today.”

Guest speaker Linda Shepperd understood the significance of the day, for she immigrated to America from Canada as a girl and she, too, had to endure the lengthy citizenship process. Shepperd shared thoughts on the responsibilities of American citizens, reminding new and lifelong citizens alike of their duties and privileges, and encouraging no one to take their rights for granted – something all too easy to do. “This morning, you arrived as foreign nationals; this afternoon, you will leave as Americans,” Shepperd said. “I cannot pretend to know your circumstances or events that led you here, but today, for all of our difference, we are united with a common theme: a love for this country, and a faith in the American system of government. This country, nor any country, is perfect. The beauty of America has always been, and will continue to be, a faith in ourselves to be better. To be stronger. We are a work in progress.” “This is a great country, and it is a great country precisely because of people like you,” she concluded. “And I will proudly stand next to all of you as an American citizen.”

As seen in the Altavista Journal (June 6) and the Union Star