Goshen, N.Y. – Colin Schmitt, the Chief of Staff to Town of New Windsor, was the keynote speaker at the Naturalization ceremony on Thursday, November 1st at the County’s Government Center.
County Clerk Annie Rabbitt administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens and Orange County Surrogate Judge Robert Onofry presided over the ceremony. Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, District Attorney David Hoovler, Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, Legislator James O'Donnell and Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney also attended the event.
“The naturalization ceremony is a very moving and patriotic event,” Schmitt said. “I have had the privilege of attending many ceremonies in the past and to keynote at this event is a true honor. I have served in the Army and am friends with many great Americans who immigrated here from other nations and became naturalized citizens. To be part of this special process is something I will never forget.”
Schmitt, a Valley Central High School graduate, is a member of the Army National Guard and previously served as Director of Operations for the New York State Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee.
Forty-six people from 25 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 to follow 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).
“I always enjoy being a part of the County’s naturalization ceremonies and I’m honored to have an opportunity to speak at this event,” Neuhaus said. “Recognizing the accomplishment of these new citizens and welcoming them to this great country is always an inspirational experience. It was my privilege and pleasure to share a few words of welcome with them today.”
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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