Simeon and Selwin Become U. S. Citizens

“I hereby declare, on oath, I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms for the United States when required by the law; performing noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion … so help me God.”

Simeon Lovell repeated these words on Monday, August 26, 2019 - along with 100+ people of the world - in the rotunda of the Utah State Capitol to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.  

There were new citizens from Afghanistan, Argentina, Canada, India, Iran, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, the UK, South Africa, Kenya, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Tonga, Philippines, Haiti, Vietnam, Ukraine, Russia, Mexico (the largest group) … and of course, Guyana, South America.

Selwin's naturalization ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 in the U. S. Court of the Washington County Courthouse in St. George.  Don't you just love his stance ... as he is talking to the judge and to his audience.

Judge Paul Kohler offered a few moving words, "because I'm the judge and I can't help myself." To 13 of the nation's newest citizens (4 from Mexico and 1 each from the Philippines, Chile  Russia, England, Vietnam, India, Spain, Canada and of course, Guyana) he said, "We love you, we value your culture and your traditions.  E plurabus unum, on American currency refers to our country as a land of immigrants, a melting pot ... and you are encouraged to reach out ... to 'become' Americans because we are a nation of immigrants.  Don't become customers of America's government ... instead serve and share ... and mentally write your name on the U. S. Constitution!"

The process of naturalization involves being “legal” in the country for a minimum of five years, completing an application, including payment of $725 per applicant; attending a face-to-face interview, and passing an English and civics test. 

We are so proud of these two fine young men, for all they have accomplished in the 6 years they have been in our family!  God bless America.