Fort Scott welcomes newest citizens

Jason E. Silvers/Tribune photo New U.S. citizens walk through a line to receive small gifts and U.S. flags at the conclusion of a naturalization ceremony Friday morning at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

On Friday, 91 people began their new lives as U.S. citizens.

The new citizens, representing about 40 different countries and a variety of careers, took the Oath of Citizenship pledge during U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas naturalization proceedings Friday morning at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. The applicants for citizenship also learned of their rights and responsibilities as new U.S. citizens.

One new citizen to take the oath was Evoristo Xolot Perez, a native of Mexico who now lives in Merriam.

"I feel a little more freedom now, like I can pursue some things ... my dreams," Perez told the Tribune following the ceremony. "I feel more at ease."

Perez said for him, the process to officially become a naturalized U.S. citizen took about six months. Perez said he has a brother already living in the U.S.

"Some of my plans now, I plan to work hard and see my family back in Mexico," he said.

The ceremony included remarks from local and court officials, music provided by the Fort Scott High School band, orchestra and choir, and the presentation of the colors by the Pittsburg State University ROTC.

FSNHS Superintendent Betty Boyko and Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin provided welcoming remarks. Boyko talked about the history of the fort and encouraged new citizens to one day return to Fort Scott and visit the historic site "as your park.

"Today, you join other citizens as guardians of these national parks," she said.

Martin urged new citizens to "take a look around" and take in their surroundings as new U.S. citizens.

"You're living a memory right now at this time," he said. "Today is a great day and a great memory for you."

Martin recited the last verse of the Lee Greenwood song, "God Bless the U.S.A."

"And God bless you all," he said.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Teresa J. James presided over the ceremony and provided remarks on behalf of the court. Courtroom Deputy Sharon Scheurer opened the court proceedings and also led the new citizens in the Oath of Citizenship.

James welcomed the new citizens and thanked the FSNHS and others that worked to organize the ceremony.