Have you ever clapped following the Presentation of Petitioners and Motion for Admission? Sixty-six names were presented (one happened to be a Christensen). After everyone's name was presented they took the Oath of Citizenship and the judge declared them citizens of the United States of America. It was very moving.
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We're 15 minutes from the home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence. We really do love it here! While we live in Virginia, our 4th of July celebration will always begin by visiting Monticello.
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And what a beautiful morning it was here. Low 70's, plenty of sun, and a slight breeze.
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The ceremony took place on the west lawn of the Monticello. You try to capture events like this on camera but it never does it justice. 
Mark was excited to see the presentation of the colors. He's learned a lot about that this year in cub scouts.
While very well-behaved, this is how the kids spent most of the ceremony. :)
Luke was showing his patriotism!
Here are all 66 people being presented and taking the oath. The tall guy in the back and to the left is a Christensen. Had we had time, I would have found him afterwards and figured out how we're related. Tom Periello, a recently elected congressman from the 5th district in Virginia, was the key note speaker. He made some interesting analogies. He referenced baptism and the renewing of covenants when we partake of the Sacrament...and how each citizen today had an opportunity to renew their own promise and conviction to stand for freedom and the United States as we witnessed the events of the day. I might not agree on how the man votes on the cap and trade bill...but I was impressed by his comments.
Oh look, all the hard work our kids did during the ceremony turns out to be a display of their patriotism. From all the tiny pebbles on the walkway, they were able to build a mound big enough to secure two of their American flags.
Mark was excited to see the presentation of the colors. He's learned a lot about that this year in cub scouts.
While very well-behaved, this is how the kids spent most of the ceremony. :)
Luke was showing his patriotism!
Here are all 66 people being presented and taking the oath. The tall guy in the back and to the left is a Christensen. Had we had time, I would have found him afterwards and figured out how we're related. Tom Periello, a recently elected congressman from the 5th district in Virginia, was the key note speaker. He made some interesting analogies. He referenced baptism and the renewing of covenants when we partake of the Sacrament...and how each citizen today had an opportunity to renew their own promise and conviction to stand for freedom and the United States as we witnessed the events of the day. I might not agree on how the man votes on the cap and trade bill...but I was impressed by his comments.
Oh look, all the hard work our kids did during the ceremony turns out to be a display of their patriotism. From all the tiny pebbles on the walkway, they were able to build a mound big enough to secure two of their American flags.
Happy Independence Day! Make it a great one. God bless America!
5 comments:
Very patriotic kids!!!
That must have been a neat experience to witness the Oath of Citizenship presentation. It sounds neat. Too bad more people don't take advantage of this opportunity and really be come citizens instead of being illegal aliens.
Gave a Great 4th.
God Bless America is right! What a setting for this event. It looks SO 4th of July. Wish we were there.
What a great opportunity to witness. Thanks so much for sharing. Loved this post!
I really love that you did this. Makes me want to have a family so I can do it...better get at it!
(& um, Luke doesn't look like Luke anymore...what is going on?)
What a great thing to do for the 4th! That's awesome. And your kids are adorable, by the way! :)
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