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Contact: John Dell'Osso, 415-464-5135 Embrace Citizenship - Experience America Through Your National Parks Point Reyes Station, CA - 25 candidates from 20 countries will become new American citizens during a ceremony at Point Reyes National Seashore on Friday, September 25, 2015, at 11 am in the Bear Valley picnic area. This is one of many naturalization ceremonies taking place in national parks under a partnership between the National Park Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The new citizens come from 20 countries: Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Colombia, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Peru, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay. Singing the National Anthem is Chris Poston of the Oakland Symphony Chorus. "We are so proud to welcome new citizens here at Point Reyes National Seashore to kickoff our celebration of the National Park Service Centennial," stated Cicely Muldoon, Superintendent of Point Reyes National Seashore. "If you are looking for a dose of inspiration, join us for this profoundly moving annual ceremony next Friday. You won't regret it!" The ceremony will take place at the Bear Valley Picnic Area at Point Reyes National Seashore with a keynote presentation by California's Secretary of State, Alex Padilla. Superintendent Cicely Muldoon will make brief opening remarks and Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Office Director Robin Barrett will administer the Oath of Allegiance to America's newest citizens. "I can't think of places more appropriate to welcome a new generation of American citizens than national parks," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "These parks, which are owned by all Americans, are not only places of stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, but across this country the over 400 national parks preserve our nation’s fascinating history and protect our rich cultural heritage. From the Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico to Ellis Island in New York City, national parks ensure our nation’s artifacts and records are protected for generations to come." The National Park Service and USCIS have a formal partnership to enhance citizenship ceremonies by holding them in national parks throughout the country. The agreement helps introduce new citizens to some of the nation’s most significant natural resources and cultural heritage sites. These historic and picturesque sites provide an ideal backdrop for citizenship ceremonies, where new citizens can learn about and reflect on American identity and the responsibilities of citizenship. -NPS- About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 408 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. |
Last updated: September 18, 2015