Goshen, N.Y. - Orange County Clerk Annie Rabbitt administered the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony on Thursday, February 1st at the County’s Emergency Services Auditorium in Goshen.
Orange County Court Judge William DeProspo presided over the ceremony and addressed the new citizens. DeProspo shared with the audience that Thursday marked the 74th anniversary of his grandmother, Lena, becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S.
“When she arrived from Italy in 1944, my grandmother faced many obstacles and hardships,” DeProspo said. “However, she never wavered in her desire to be a citizen of the greatest country in the world. My grandmother, who had such a positive influence on my life, provided me with a living example of the promise of America and how special this country is. Whatever small measure of success I may now enjoy, it all started with her.”
Ninety-nine people from 42 countries took the Oath of Allegiance, the final part of the naturalization process, renouncing all foreign allegiance while pledging to support and defend the American Constitution and the laws of the United States. The County Clerk’s Office hosts four naturalization ceremonies each year in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (Citizenship and Immigration Services).
“Recognizing the accomplishment of these new citizens and welcoming them to this great country is always a wonderful experience,” Rabbitt said. “Every person at the ceremony has made sacrifices and worked so hard to make this proud day a reality. These ceremonies are always heartwarming and touching.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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