Forty-eight people from across the globe were naturalized as American citizens on Friday.
The heat didn’t deter the group and their families from gathering at Pennsbury Manor along the Delaware River in Falls Township for the ceremony hosted by federal officials and the historic site that was key in the founding of the U.S.
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Among the countries represented were Bangladesh, China, El Salvador, India, Iran, Kenya, South Korea, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Eastern District of Pennsylvania Senior Judge Cynthia Rufe, a Newtown resident who was raised in Bristol Borough, led naturalization ceremony and told new citizens about her own family’s immigrant story. Rufe’s grandparents immigrated from Italy to Bristol Borough.
Merilyn Vahur, a new citizen from Estonia, came to Florida 20 years ago. She sold encyclopedias door to doors.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
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Now, she has two kids, lives locally, and no longer works selling door to door.
“I hope we get to do all the good things planned,” she said.
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The new American said she is excited to vote.
Rufe urged the new citizens to get involved in their communities and take part in elections. She said it is key for the citizens to participate and know their rights.
The Bucks County League of Women Voters were on hand to help the new citizens register to vote, and the Daughters of the American Revolution provided breakfast for the group.
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“William Penn brought diverse people to his colony of Pennsylvania in the 17th century and his governmental work influenced our current Constitutional framework. Pennsbury is proud to welcome these new citizens to join us as Americans. Today, they share in Penn’s legacy of representative government, freedom of religion and trial by jury,” said Doug Miller, the site director for Pennsbury Manor.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The federal judge called the ceremony “one of the most defining moments of your life.”
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“Lets hope all of you can make this a stronger country,” she said. “I believe it.”
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