Yesterday morning, the Hidden Valley Picnic Area in Joshua Tree National Park was the setting for the naturalization ceremony for 25 brand new American citizens. Heather Clisby was there …
The United States welcomed 25 new citizens yesterday morning as they were sworn in surrounded by family and friends, boulders, lizards and Joshua Trees. Representing 20 countries, the freshly-minted Americans – including two sets of married couples and two pairs of siblings – took the Oath of Allegiance at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area in Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP).
The ceremony un-officially began when Seth Zaharias, co-owner of Cliffhanger Guides, climbed up a high rock wall and unfurled an American flag as the appropriate backdrop. And it officially began when Sabra Purdy, Zaharias’ partner and the other co-owner of Cliffhanger Guides, led the crowd in a stirring rendition of national anthem. The event included remarks from Field Office Director Irene Martin, from the San Bernardino U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), USCIS District Director Alanna Yow, and the keynote speaker was Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith.
“Remember, National Parks belong to all of us. By being an American citizen, you now own title to some 400-odd parks around the United States and they each tell a different part of our history as being an American so it’s a very appropriate place to have a naturalization ceremony,” said Smith.
The National Park Service and the USCIS have partnered to encourage naturalization ceremonies in national parks and the Tuesday morning event marks the first time it has occurred in JTNP. The 25 new citizens represented the following countries: Argentina, Canada, Columbia, Denmark, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Spain and Uruguay.
Guitar duo, Hunter and the Wick’d, entertained with American classics such as “Walking in Memphis” and “Wagon Wheel” and cake was served.
