By Sally Haase
(November 4, 2023) — On October 27, 2023, the Crystal Ballroom at the Middletown Elks Lodge was transformed temporarily into a federal courthouse by the Honorable Judge Janet Bond Arterton of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. The event was to administer the Oath of Allegiance to those seeking to become citizens of this country. The Middletown Elks Lodge #771 hosted the event where 68 candidates for citizenship from 38 countries came to received their certificates of citizenship.
A long line of soon-to-be citizens waited nervously outside the Elks Lodge on a sunny day, dressed in their finest with some in native dress. Patriotic music played softly in the ballroom, which was decorated with American flags, as family and friends of the citizens-to-be waited eagerly for the ceremony to begin. A row of veterans formed a receiving line to welcome the new citizens as they received their certificates.
How did this group of diverse people from different countries and of diverse religions, races, languages, ages, and backgrounds get to this naturalization ceremony? There are seven basic requirements for naturalization:
1) Be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (a Green Card.) 2) Be 18 years of age. 3) Have resided for three months in the state where you will apply for citizenship. 4) Maintain continuous residency and physical presence in the U.S. 5) Be a person of good moral character. 6) Demonstrate knowledge of the English language, U.S. history, and the U.S. government. 7) Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
Though simply said, eligibility requirements are more complex. In many cases it may have been a long wait and, in some cases, it may have been a hard journey of complicated bureaucratic actions.
Loud cheers and clapping could be heard after the administration of the Oath of Allegiance, partly stating the familiar, “…I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” There was no shortage of smiles to be seen.
Judge Bond Arterton addressed the new citizens about their new responsibilities. She reminded them that they now must join the “original (native) Americans to honor this land.” She spoke of the challenges that address our democracy today and that now it is their job to take on these challenges as well. She encouraged them to vote, to run for office, and to get involved in their communities.
Nonetheless, the Judge reminded them never to turn their backs on their heritage. She hoped they would share their traditions with their children and neighbors through food and celebrations. Finally, she urged them to honor our diversity and never let it divide us.
As Judge Bond Aterton, Erika Taylor, from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Middletown Mayor Benjamin Florsheim recommended, many of the new citizens waited in line at the back of hall to register to vote and apply for a new passports.
Photo Courtesy of BPOE Middletown Elks Lodge 771
