Joint Base Lewis-McChord hosts Annual Naturalization Ceremony

  • Published
  • By Pfc. Shakia M. Howard
  • 19th Public Affairs Detachment
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. --  Twenty-four servicemembers and servicemember-spouses became American citizens during the Annual Naturalization Ceremony at the McChord Co-Located Club here Sept. 17.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services swore in the Servicemembers and Servicemember-spouses on JBLM as one of many USCIS ceremonies that occurred across the nation.

"I still get emotional with watching the opening film which shows America, what we're all about and how we welcome in immigrants from all over the world," said Command Sgt. Maj. Frank A. Grippe, I Corps Command Sergeant Major, during the opening of the ceremony. "I am a first generation American. My parents immigrated here from Switzerland and Britain. I still hold on to their naturalization flags and paperwork. It's one of my prized possessions."

The ceremony was held to commemorate Constitution Day (also called Citizenship Day) and Constitution Week, which honors the many contributions of naturalized citizens and recognizes the ratification of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.

This is one of the newest federal holidays to be established by Congress. It was passed as an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd to the Omnibus spending bill of 2004. Citizenship Day was the name given to the holiday prior to its official designation.

However, the roots of Constitution Day stretch much farther back beginning in 1940 when "I am an American Day" was initiated by Congress for the third Sunday in May.

Today it serves as a means for American citizens to express pride in their citizenship.

Col. Thomas H. Brittain, Joint Base Lewis-McCord Garrison Commander, addressed the naturalized citizens as the event's keynote speaker.

"I'd like to thank [all the servicemembers] that are becoming a citizen of the United States of America for two things," Brittain said. "First of all, for their volunteerism and dedication in wearing the uniform of the most powerful [military] in the world, and [second] for wanting to make this country your country. You deserve huge recognition."

"In 1949, President Harry S. Truman wrote that the strength in our nation lies in the unity of all of our people of whatever race, creed, culture or national origin - a unity that can be built only upon full realization of their worth and meaning of American citizenship," Brittain added. "It's unbelievable when wrapping your arms around those words from our former president, because that really signifies what this day means and the commitment that you folks have taken in this process. So, I encourage you to take full advantage of your citizenship and opportunities that you have in this country not just in service but also to give back so that other people may follow in your footsteps. We honor you today...on "I Am an American Day"."