May 13, 2016 Naturalization Ceremony

Newly naturalized citizens standing in front of Fort Union hospital

Richard Gonzales

News Release Date: May 11, 2016

Contact: Lorenzo Vigil, 505-425-8025

Fort Union National Monument is pleased to announce its first special event of the year.A Naturalization Ceremony to be held on Friday May 13, 2016 from 1 pm-2 pm.Come and #findyourpark- #encuentratuparque at Fort Union NM.This is an incredible opportunity during the NPS Centennial for individuals to earn American Citizenship and take the Oath of Allegiance at your backyard National Park.This Oath of Allegiance will be taken by applicants as they will be granted Citizenship after all their hard work in learning what it means to be an American. As new U.S. citizens, they will now be entitled to the same rights, obligations, and opportunities as all other Americans. These new citizens will have the ability to vote, hold public office, carry a U.S. passport, serve on a jury, work for the US government, and serve as an officer in the armed forces.

U.S. District Judge M. Christina Armijo, will preside over the ceremony, with assistance by USCIS.

The immigrants who will be naturalized originally came from these 11 countries: Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, India, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

Historically for many people volunteering to serve in the U.S. Army led to citizenship. During the Civil War period African American and Irish American soldiers influenced the modern vision of national citizenship that developed during the Civil War era. By bearing arms for the Union, African Americans and Irish Americans exhibited their loyalty to the United States and their capacity to act as citizens;they strengthened their American identity in the process. Come and visit Fort Union and be a part of this unforgettable moment.

This event is a great opportunity to explore the countless ways there are to #FindYourPark. Launched in March 2015, Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque is a public awareness and education movement to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with, celebrate, and support America's national parks and community-based programs. Celebrating the National Park Service Centennial and setting the stage for the Service's next 100 years, #FindYourPark invites people to discover and share their own unique connections to our nation's natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Visit FindYourPark.com to learn more about the National Park Service and other events taking place throughout the year. ag)ByX#