Sunday, June 21, 2009

Kids proud to be Americans

From the Times Ledger:

Some 27 children from throughout Queens were sworn in during a ceremony at the Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst last Thursday - just in time for Flag Day on June 13. And the country’s newest citizens showed their pride by proudly waving a bevy of Old Glories while a chorus from nearby PS 206 sang Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to Be an American.”

The children earned their citizenship through their parents, all of whom recently underwent the naturalization process.

Among them was Michal Ukowski, 9, of Glendale, whose parents, Halina and Marisuz, came to Queens from Poland six years ago.

Once he had accepted his certificate of citizenship, Mikal said he felt different. When pressed to explain how, he said, “I’m a citizen.”

Other children also appreciated the momentousness of the day.

“It’s a big achievement,” said Tyrese Johnson, 8, of Richmond Hill, whose family came from Trinidad and Tobago when he was only a few months old.

“I’m a citizen and I’m not an immigrant,” said Flushing resident Nicolas Stewart, 11, who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica with his family at age 3 and wants to join the Army to become an engineer.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

God bless and good luck to all of them. That is the path to citizensship in America. Those illeagls should read this. Oh I forgot, they chose not to learn our native languge and break the law. I wish there were more stories like this one. I am so happy for our newly naturalized citizens!!!

Anonymous said...

God bless the Jewnited states of ZOG

Anonymous said...

It's people like you who wreck America. Go back to the cave you belong in with the rest of the Nazis.

Anonymous said...

You do know that America does not have a declared national language? So technically no one have to come here and learn a "native language" if there is none.

Queens Crapper said...

Yes, we know. And that is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Anonymous said...

Actually, the native language is English. Just because it's not the "official" language, it doesn't change the fact that it's the language the vast majority of citizens communicate in and the language our government does business in.

Anonymous said...

Why aren't those immigrants waving American flags?

. . . Oh wait, they are.

Anonymous said...

“I’m a citizen and I’m not an immigrant,” said Flushing resident Nicolas Stewart, 11, who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica with his family at age 3 and wants to join the Army to become an engineer.

Now this young man's family immigrated the legal way, but difficult, long and uncertain wait. This unfortunately is how it is done and for those who do it this way congratulations, welcome fellow citizen.

For those who come here without abiding by the process and breaking laws TO DO SO - JAIL & DEPORTATION IS THE ONLY SOLUTION - NO SECOND CHANCES, EVER!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to all the LEGAL immigrants who have embraced the UNITED STATES and have become CITIZENS. We are proud of you and are happy to call you one of our own. Best of Luck to All.

Anonymous said...

maybe there is hope...........

Anonymous said...

Aw... that kid has a big jacket to fill.