Old men and women unable to walk on their own, young families with children clamoring in their laps and hundreds of other people from different races, backgrounds and religions filled Denver’s Civic Center park Wednesday to become American citizens.
The crowd of 600 adults from 90 nations listened to Immigration Judge James Patrick Vandello emphasize America’s tradition of immigration, then rose with right hands poised in the air, and swore an oath to the United States.
As Vandello finished the oath by saying, “You are a citizen,” a loud round of applause erupted from the new Americans, along with family, friends and onlookers who filled the park’s Greek Theatre to standing-room-only capacity.
Although many of the new citizens have been living in the U.S. for years, Wednesday’s naturalization ceremony marked a profound transition to American life.
“I’m so proud to be an American now,” said 63-year old Sung Park, who has lived in the U.S. for 35 years after immigrating from South Korea. “Now I can vote and go anywhere I want.”
As Sam Bhattari, who immigrated from Nepal 20 years ago, waited in line to register to vote, his 5-month-old son clutched a small American flag.
“I can’t tell you how very special this day is to me and my family,” Bhattari said.
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper delivered the ceremony’s opening remarks and emphasized that America is a nation of immigrants who share the common goal of looking for a better life.
“In becoming an American citizen, you have joined a diverse community of different backgrounds, different accents and different opinions, but a united love of our country and a commitment to the ideals of justice, civility, equality and democracy,” he said.
Katarzyna Maria Wasiak, who came to the U.S. from Poland four years ago, addressed the crowd as the selected voice of the new citizens. “A lot of the things that make America a beautiful country is the people who live here,” she said.
Although Wasiak said she misses her family in Poland, particularly during the holidays, she echoed the sentiment of many of the new citizens when she said: “America feels like home more every day.”
Staff writer Michael McCollum can be reached at 303-820-1201 or mmccollum@denverpost.com.
