Pentagon holds naturalization ceremony
Published: April 15, 2008 at 10:15 PM
WASHINGTON, April 15 (UPI) -- Twenty-two immigrants serving in the U.S. armed forces became U.S. citizens in a special ceremony at the Pentagon.
They were among the thousands of non-citizens who have enlisted since the terrorist attacks of 2001, the Los Angeles Times reported. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England presided over the ceremony Monday.
"We are indeed a greater country, stronger country, a better country today because of you," said Air Force Maj. Gen. James W. Graves, whose wife is a naturalized citizen.
Ensign Olufolahannmi Ayoola Omatayo Coker, a Nigerian immigrant serving in the Navy Reserve, said he can now show his sons that he is a citizen like them. He also hopes to become a police officer.
"This is a bridge over the river," he said.
Military service has long been a route to citizenship. President George Bush signed an executive order expediting the process after the terrorist attacks.
Oneida Bastidas watched proudly as her son, Marine Lance Cpl. Luis Bastidas, became a citizen.
"I worked 20 years in this country," she said. "This is my accomplishment."
They were among the thousands of non-citizens who have enlisted since the terrorist attacks of 2001, the Los Angeles Times reported. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England presided over the ceremony Monday.
"We are indeed a greater country, stronger country, a better country today because of you," said Air Force Maj. Gen. James W. Graves, whose wife is a naturalized citizen.
Ensign Olufolahannmi Ayoola Omatayo Coker, a Nigerian immigrant serving in the Navy Reserve, said he can now show his sons that he is a citizen like them. He also hopes to become a police officer.
"This is a bridge over the river," he said.
Military service has long been a route to citizenship. President George Bush signed an executive order expediting the process after the terrorist attacks.
Oneida Bastidas watched proudly as her son, Marine Lance Cpl. Luis Bastidas, became a citizen.
"I worked 20 years in this country," she said. "This is my accomplishment."
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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