Menu
Welcome to our newest citizens
The next chapter in the lives of about 90 new U.S. citizens began Friday on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS).
The historic site hosted U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas naturalization proceedings in which about 90 people representing 36 countries became naturalized U.S. citizens. The ceremony included remarks from local and court officials, music and the Oath of Citizenship pledge by the new U.S. citizens, who also learned of their rights and responsibilities as new citizens of the country.
FSNHS Superintendent Betty Boyko and Fort Scott Mayor Cindy Bartelsmeyer provided welcoming remarks.
"You can now join us as guardians of our freedoms," Boyko said. "We hope you return often to remember this day."
"We want to honor and welcome you," Bartelsmeyer said. "It's a beautiful day for this ceremony ... Ninety individuals who seek freedom and new opportunity in the U.S. It's with great excitement that I congratulate you. It's so exciting."
Courtroom Deputy Carol Kuhl opened the court proceedings, followed by presentation of the colors by the Pittsburg State University Army ROTC and the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" by the Fort Scott High School select ensemble.
The Honorable Teresa J. James, U.S. magistrate judge, also provided welcoming remarks for the new U.S. citizens.
"I hope you savor every moment of this ceremony," James said. "I want to give a special welcome to our new citizens. This is a special occasion. To see so many different people from different countries and backgrounds."
James said the proceedings are usually held in court, with the exception of the special annual ceremony that has taken place in Fort Scott in recent years.
"And it's (ceremony) especially unique because of the involvement by the community," she said. "This is one of the highlights of my job."
The event also included a performance of "Song for the Unsung Hero" by the FSHS choir, "Home on the Range" by the FSHS band, and "America the Beautiful" by the FSHS band, orchestra and choir, as well as introduction of new citizens by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Representative Tim Piatcheck.
As Piatcheck read each new citizen's name and their employment, they responded by standing and announcing the country they came from. The Oath of Citizenship was given by Kuhl.
The keynote address was given by the Honorable Richard M. Smith, Chief Judge of the Sixth Judicial District.
"My fellow Americans," Smith said in addressing the new citizens. "As a judge in Linn County, Kansas, do you know how long I've wanted to say that?," he said to laughter. "Especially with the importance it has today."
Smith talked to the new citizens about their rights and freedoms as American citizens, including their new privilege to vote in the upcoming November election. Smith also encouraged the new citizens to become informed voters.
"You have joined a country that has been called the least exclusive club in the world with the highest dues to pay," he said. "You can enjoy the blessings of being an American."
Smith read from a letter written by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1963.
"Anyone who lives in the U.S. cannot be an outsider," he read.
In closing, Smith said he wanted to leave the new citizens with "two things."
"We gave the government rights, not the other way around. And we also don't tolerate when another family member is treated unjustly," he said, referring to King's letter.
"Bless you and the country and welcome as new members of it," Smith said.
James congratulated the new citizens and provided closing remarks following the reciting of The Pledge of Allegiance and the retirement of the colors by the PSU Army ROTC.
"Congratulations," James said. "Make the most of your citizenship in the U.S. and help make it a better country."
The ceremony was made possible through the support of several groups and organizations. The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc., provided lunch for the new citizens following the ceremony in the grand hall of the historic site.