(Dublin, Ohio) — “America is not a melting pot, but rather a mosaic.” Those were the words of the Honorable Michael H. Watson, as the judge presided over a naturalization ceremony hosted today by the City of Dublin.
“Each culture adds to the whole, while each culture retains its uniqueness,” Watson added. “Our national seal motto, E pluribus unum—out of many, one—recognizes that process.”
That sense of purpose set the tone for the ceremony, which brought together federal officials, local leaders and families from around the world for a special session of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Field Office Director Jesselee Santos-Krider, with United States Citizen Immigration Services, presented 67 candidates to U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Courter M. Shimeall. U.S. District Court Case Management Supervisor Scott Miller then administered the Oath of Allegiance, formally welcoming the candidates as new United States citizens.
Dublin Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes reflected on the deeper meaning of the ceremony.
“Citizenship isn’t really about paperwork or process,” said Amorose Groomes. “It’s about commitment. It’s about shared ideas, shared responsibility and a shared future.”
Students from Wyandot Elementary sang the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America. Many petitioners were visibly emotional as they recited the words as American citizens.
The group represented 35 countries and ranged in age from 19 to 80 years old. The ceremony also included a personal perspective from guest speaker and Dublin resident Emmet Apolinario, who shared his experience immigrating from the Philippines and his 15-year journey to citizenship.
“Even now, it feels as if it were just yesterday that this happened to me,” Apolinario reflected. “The sights, sounds, emotions. They stay with you forever and that is why today is so meaningful.”
Apolinario became a U.S. citizen in 1995, emphasizing his belief that every effort was worth it as he pursued a better life. Today, he serves as Principal-in-Charge of Ohio Business Advisors, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Vice Chair of the Dublin Police’s Chief’s Advisory Committee and on the Board of Directors of KEMBA Financial Credit Union.
“When I finally became a U.S. citizen, one thing meant more than anything else: the right to vote… the right to have a voice, the right to participate in shaping the future of a nation that had given me the freedom to build my life, my family and my purpose,” Apolinario said. “That right is sacred. It is powerful. And today it becomes yours.”
Mayor Amorose Groomes shared a similar message of civic engagement.
“My encouragement to you is to become engaged in every aspect available to you. In your neighborhoods, in your schools and in your local government. If you choose to call Dublin home, we hope that you are intricately involved here.”
Mayor Amorose Groomes was joined by Vice Mayor Cathy DeRosa and Council Member Amy Kramb.
Photos of the ceremony are available on the City of Dublin’s Flickr account.
#
Media Contact:
Robyn Gray
Senior Public Information Officer
614.562.6765 – Cell
Email address: rgray@dublin.oh.us
Newsroom: http://dublinohiousa.gov/newsroom/
