HYDE PARK – Dozens of immigrants from several countries took their oath of allegiance and became United States citizens on Friday. The naturalization ceremony was held at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center on the grounds of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Henry Wallace was the US Secretary of Agriculture for seven years and served as Vice president during Roosevelt’s third term.
The oath, administered by Dutchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall, was pledged by 46 people representing more than 20 different countries. Many of the new citizens were cheered on by family and friends.
United States Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-19) attended the event along with some of his top staffers.
“This is such a powerful ceremony,” said Ryan, a West Point graduate. “It’s renewing for me as an American citizen, to know how much work and how much commitment these new citizens have put into gaining knowledge of our country.” Congressman Ryan noted the importance of welcoming new American citizens, saying “They are the fresh blood of our democracy that we need to keep thriving, keep growing, keep renewing….,” while calling the ceremony “One of the most powerful and positive things I get to do as a Congressman.”
After the ceremony, Ryan immediately went to work performing constituent services by collecting information from two new citizens who need help obtaining passports. “Constituent services is one of the most important jobs we do,” he told Mid-Hudson News.
