This article was originally posted to the blog in February, 2017, but I felt it was worth revisiting. We are a country in crisis, divided in a way I would never have imagined possible, where hate is on display every day in our government and in our communities. The opportunities and responsibilities that were part of the “American dream” are no longer the same, and I wonder how many of the things I observed and heard at the event discussed in this post remain relevant. If we don’t come together—especially those leaders who have chosen, for the sake of power, to no longer be servants of the people and to behave without integrity, civility, or honor—I fear for what we may become. I hope it’s not too late.
This past summer, we visited Mount Rushmore in South Dakota while on a return trip to the Badlands and the Black Hills/Custer State Park. At the viewing platform overlooking the monument, we noticed an international mix of folks proceeding down to the amphitheater. We were about to begin the short President’s Walk but inquired with a ranger if something was happening. He informed us that in an hour there was to be a naturalization ceremony. We looked at each other and instantly agreed it was something we wanted to see.
Upon our return, we found a spot to sit on the rough wooden benches in the amphitheater and waited for the ceremony to start. The sky was clear and the sun was strong, and while it was warm it wasn’t uncomfortable.
The service began with an Honor Guard from Ellsworth Air Force Base marching out to present the colors accompanied by a choir singing “Stars & Stripes.” There was a call to order and the first of several speakers was introduced.
The words spoken by the first judge were very moving. As he stood at the podium, a gentle breeze rustling his black robe, he reminded us that America was a country founded by immigrants, a country that offered equal rights and required shared responsibilities, where all are welcome because there is strength in diversity. He explained that as citizens we are simply caretakers, and that for our country to thrive we must be active participants and strive to leave something worthwhile for future generations. The message may have been spoken to those moments away from citizenship, but in reality it applied to all of us.
The group stood and raised their right hand as the oath was administered, and they echoed it back. Each participant was impeccably attired, wearing either suits or some form of culturally formal apparel. A full range of ages was also on display, as diverse as the people themselves.
And then it was time for what would become the most powerful moment.
Row by row, 235 people from 48 countries stood, walked up on stage, received their paperwork, and introduced themselves to us from the podium. We didn’t know if we’d stay for them all. I couldn’t turn away. These were people who understood the promise of our country and who didn’t take for granted the freedoms we have. For many, the things we see as commonplace were uncommon to them. They had hope, and expressed an obvious joy at being able to call themselves citizens of the United States of America. (Some, when introducing themselves, did not mention their country of origin like the majority did, but instead loudly proclaimed they were now from the USA.)
It takes at least five years to become a citizen. No doubt they have experienced some of the same frustrations with our country that we have, but they would not be deterred or demoralized. Seeing others cherish what it means to be an American reminded me of just how thankful I should be, too.
2016 marked the 100th anniversary of the NPS—which was one reason I wanted to visit a National Park last year—and we learned that the Park Service in conjunction with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services division had a goal of performing 100 naturalization ceremonies throughout the Parks system. In addition to our being at the right park on the right day, we also discovered that Mount Rushmore was celebrating its 75th anniversary as well. The timing could not have been more perfect.
Sitting at Mount Rushmore, a location that rivals the Statue of Liberty as one of the most iconic symbols of “America,” and watching so many people from so many countries take the oath and complete their long journey towards citizenship…it was a magical experience.