|
On Thursday, July 4th, we marked our 10th consecutive year (the program
incorrectly shows 9 years) as a joint sponsor of the Citizenship Ceremony held at the Saratoga
National Historical Park, which is also known as the Saratoga Battlefield. The event, which is
held in partnership with the Battlefield, the NSDAR and the United States Citizenship and
Immigration Service, was first held July 4th 2004 but had been originally scheduled for
July 4, 2003. Our partnership is aided by the dedication of the Friends of the Saratoga
Battlefield, the Battlefield Volunteers and Staff, Boy Scout Troop 6 from Glens Falls,
and the Schuyler Society, C.A.R., who all contribute much help in making the event a success.
This year's master of ceremony and keynote speaker was Dr. Ray Raymond MBE, DSM, FRSA, Professor
of Government and History, SUNY; Adjunct Professor of Comparative Politics, USMA. Dr. Raymond
was not only knowledgeable, but also was entertaining.
|
|
Click on any image for a larger version
|
 |
Early arrivals gather for a photo op: Tim Mabee, John Sheaff, Duane Booth, Tom Dunne & Tim Condon
|
 |
Dr. Ray Raymond Master of Ceremony and Keynote Speaker
|
 |
Boy Scout Troop 6 Presents Colors
|
 |
Vocalist Danielle McMullen sings the Star Spangled Banner
|
 |
US Congressman Bill Owens, 21st congressional district
welcomes new citizens
and their familes
|
 |
Kathy Marchione, NYS Senator 43rd district, addresses new citizens
|
 |
Chapter President Thomas L. Dunne speaks of his ancestor Jotham Bemus,
who owned this land during the Battles of Saratoga.
|
|
Click here to read President Dunne's remarks
|
 |
Gwynne Dinolfo Field Office Director, USCIS, administers the Oath of Allegiance
|
 |
Some of the new American Citizens taking the oath.
|
 |
 |
Gwynne hands out naturalization certificates to new citizens while family,
friends
and others applaud. They are so proud and we are so proud of them.
This is the best part of the ceremony!
|
 |
Ranger Joe Craig gives 13 period toasts to the new America.
We answer to each with a hearty Huzzah!
|
 |
Danielle leads us in God Bless America
|
 |
SARs take a photo op with Danielle in front of the monument that we rededicated in 2002.
(L-r)
Tim Mabee, Duane Booth, Danielle McMullen, Tim Condon,
Bill Nottingham, Tom Dunne & John Sheaff
|
|
Click here to view the Citizenship Ceremony program
|
|
Click here to view the list of 2013 Citizenship candidates
|
Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Duane Booth
|
