Luisa Machado (right) of Putnam Valley, a native of Columbia took her
oath of allegiance and was congratulated by her friend Paola Thana
CARMEL – Fifty of America’s newest citizens recited their oath of allegiance to the United States and received a rousing ovation at the historic Putnam Courthouse on Wednesday.
The naturalization ceremony, attended by family and friends of the new citizens, was the fourth of the year for Putnam County. Since 2015 following a 20 year hiatus, hundreds of newcomers have taken their oaths of allegiance thanks to the efforts of County Clerk Michael Bartolotti.
America’s newest citizens come from all corners of the earth including El Salvador, South Africa, Brazil, India, Egypt, Nigeria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Poland, India, Philippines, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Peru, Guatemala, Pakistan, Columbia and Mexico.
The hour-long ceremony was officiated over by State Supreme Court Justice Victor Grossman who called on the newest citizens to “be the best you can be. Enjoy life and always enjoy America.”
Grossman told his audience that America was a “nation of immigrants. We are the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the ones who wanted a better life, the driven ones, the ones who woke up at night hearing that voice telling them ‘life in that place called America could be better.’ You and your families risked everything to come here. You brought your talents, hopes, dreams and love of freedom just like the millions who preceded you and helped to make America the beacon of freedom and liberty in the world.”
District Attorney Robert Tendy told the newcomers, “Today is your Decoration of Independence and you are now as much a part of the United States as our founding fathers. We welcome you!”
Deputy Director of Veterans Affairs Art Hanley led the new citizens in their first reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance after which he told them, “Welcome Americans!”
Bartolotti had a message for the new citizens. “This day is for each of you. Our population has become more diversified in recent years. Many of us take our citizenship for granted. You have strived to become American citizens. Today is your day.”
Harry Hitner, who resides in Carmel with his wife, was one of those taking his oath of allegiance. “I am so happy that this day has come,” said the native of South Africa.
