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Contact: John A. Dell'Osso, 415-464-5135 Embrace Citizenship - Experience America Through Your National Parks Point Reyes Station, CA – The public is invited to witness 20 candidates from 15 countries become new American citizens at Point Reyes National Seashore on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 11 AM. The ceremony will take place in the Bear Valley picnic area. This is one of many naturalization ceremonies taking place in national parks across the country in a partnership between the National Park Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The new citizens come from 15 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Uruguay and Yemen. Singing the National Anthem is Chris Poston of the Oakland Symphony Chorus. "We are so proud to welcome these new citizens here at Point Reyes as part of our Centennial celebration," 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!" Superintendent Cicely Muldoon will make the keynote address 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. Point Reyes National Seashore is one of 413 units within the National Park Service (NPS). This year, the NPS celebrates its Centennial. Point Reyes was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, "to preserve a portion of the diminishing seashore of the United States that remains undeveloped." Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. #NPWest #NPS100 #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #PointReyesNPS -NPS- |
Last updated: September 15, 2016