GOLDEN SPIKE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK, Utah, June 15, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Forty-nine candidates gathered Friday at Golden Spike National Historical Park, and left as new citizens of the United States.
The people, from 23 countries, were welcomed by Group Superintendent Brandon Flint who congratulated the new American citizens and their families, emphasizing how our diverse cultures and experiences make the nation stronger.
Since 2006, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services and the National Park Service “have welcomed thousands of new citizens at parks, monuments, and historic sites, connecting the next generation of American immigrants to the nation’s most historic and precious places,” says a statement released by the National Park Service.
The ceremony took place at the historic Last Spike Site, where the nation’s first transcontinental railroad was completed, uniting the country by rail. Candidates were greeted by the celebratory sights, sounds, and smells of the park’s Victorian replica steam locomotives.
“It’s fitting that we host Naturalization Ceremonies at Golden Spike National Historical Park as many of the workers that completed the railroad 155 years ago were recent immigrants,” Flint said at the ceremony.
“Today we not only remembered the important role immigrants played in building our nation, we also hopefully inspired a generation of new and old citizens alike to continue to build a stronger and more inclusive United States.”
The USCIS initiated the formal Call of Countries and Motion for Naturalization which was followed by the Administration of the Oath.
Many of the new citizen’s offered inspirational stories about their path to citizenship, the news release says. The Box Elder Pops Orchestra provided music for the event. Park visitors and residents joined in welcoming the new citizens. The League of Women Voters were at the park assisting the new citizens with registering to vote.
