WILLIAMSBURG — A naturalization ceremony hosted by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Williamsburg Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution saw 82 candidates receive their U.S. citizenship Tuesday.
The annual ceremony, held in the Lane Auditorium of the Bruton Heights Education Center due to weather, coincided with both Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day. And the gray skies and rain could not dampen the enthusiasm of the 82 individuals from 37 countries who celebrated becoming American citizens.
Following historical context from interpreters portraying Gen. George Washington and George Wythe, and a welcome from Cliff Fleet, President and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
“We’re the first nation that is formed on an idea. Not an ethnicity, not a religion, not about a king or a Pope. It’s an idea that we should be free. Free to choose who we love, free to pursue opportunity as we see it, free to speak, free to choose our religion,” Fleet said. “As citizens of the United States, we have a responsibility to honor and protect those freedoms, not only for ourselves but also to continue to serve as a beacon for those around the world.”
“And we could not be more pleased that you chose here as a place to become citizens of the United States, because it is here where the ideas and structures that have inspired so many were born,” he continued. “So please, thank you for everything you do to inspire us to make this a better country.”
The candidates were then presented by Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Carolyn McLean, who administered their oath of allegiance.
Evangeline Mason, secretary of the George Wythe Society, Children of the American Revolution, then led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Sherril Buckner, First Vice Regent, Williamsburg Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, who led the American’s Creed.
Robin Doucette, Regent, Williamsburg Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, introduced the guest speaker, York County Supervisor Doug Holroyd, who himself became a citizen in September 2022 in Williamsburg.
“Today you stand and give the Pledge of Allegiance, but today is truly about your dream to become a U.S. citizen. I know a little bit about that dream, having completed that same pledge and the same ceremony two years ago in this same city, the original seat of government,” Holroyd said. “Think about it. You have the opportunity to join this great nation, on the very ground this nation started with. I think that’s awe-inspiring.”
Citing a recent speech by former First Lady Michelle Obama, saying now was the opportunity — the time — to “do something.” He encouraged the new citizens to get involved, noting while he chose to do so in public office, involvement could mean a charitable organization, community foundation, or some other form of service.
“Serve. Dedicate a piece of your time to improving this community, the state, this great nation. It’s now your obligation to help this great nation succeed. You are special. You have an opportunity to lead. To describe the motivation for having become American,” he explained. “Most in this country were born with those rights and privileges. You earned them … get involved, get engaged, and, most importantly, vote.
“Make those around you, those who sponsored you to become a citizen, proud of the fact that they chose well. Enjoy your day, and welcome to citizenship,” he said.
Patriotic music was provided by the U.S. Air Force Heritage Winds and the Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drums, and representatives of The League of Women Voters were also on hand to help new citizens register to vote after the ceremony.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are part of Constitution Week — Sept. 17 to 23 — which honors the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Citizenship Day was signed into law in 1952 and the first Constitution Week was proclaimed in 1955.
