|
Your Passport To Adventure! |
2011
NATURALIZATION CEREMONY SPEECH
11:00 a.m., December 1, 2011
The Honorable William E. Cassady, Presiding
United States District Court, Mobile, Alabama
Delivered by Estela I. Dorn
Past Executive Director
Mobile International Festival
Greetings to my fellow Americans! I decided to read rather than address all of you without notes. Why? I am afraid that I will never be able to say what I want because I can get emotional! As I stand here, I can’t help but think of the momentous day when I was sworn in as an American citizen on December 6, 1985 in the same room where you are right now! That was a very emotional occasion. I felt happiness, but at the same time, sadness because it was like turning my back on who I was!
So who am I? This is the big question. I have come from a country that used to be a Commonwealth of the United States of America. That was before World War II. Now, the Philippines is a democratic country. But, you are not here to learn about history. This is your special day.
You have come from many countries with distinctive cultures. You made a choice … a major one. You are here because you chose to be an American citizen. What does it mean to be an American? Each one of us has a different view of what an American citizenship means. It is a life of FREEDOM! It is a life of many opportunities. In America, we can make ourselves successful and have a better life – for us and our families. “Sky is the limit” if you follow the American dream! But always remember that with these opportunities, comes the responsibilities of citizenship! Never take that for granted!
You have heard that America is the “land of milk and honey”. This is gotten through hard work and persistence. There will be temptations along the way that comes with opportunities. Do not put yourself in a quandary where you must have everything that money and success can buy. Do not be a burden to the country! Be wise in your decisions. Remember, that how we lead our lives in our new country is now up to you. You want to be an asset to this country … not a liability!
President John F. Kennedy had said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” So inspiring! This country is great; however, this greatness will only continue if you contribute to it unselfishly. You must never presume that the government is here to help you with your life. Your life is yours to prove that you are a good citizen.
What are our responsibilities as an American citizen?
1. Learn to speak English.
You are now one of us. Communicate in English. (I used to be asked how
to improve the ability to speak better English. I answered, “Think,
dream and read in English!”)
2. Vote in elections! Your vote counts. Let your voice be heard! Be an
informed voter!
3. Pay taxes! I remember that when I first came to the US, I was very
impressed with the infrastructure. The roads and highways were great;
garbage was collected; police was reliable and not feared; and many more.
I did not mind paying taxes because I was receiving these amenities that
were normally ignored in other countries.
4. Be educated! Education is your best ticket to success. Whether it is
in trade or academics. Do not be afraid to learn more! Read and learn!
5. Be a law-abiding citizen. Obey the laws and regulations!
6. Be involved in the community. It is yours and what happens in this
community affects your lifestyle.
7. Be mindful of your neighborhood and surroundings. Help keep your surroundings
clean and presentable. Remember people are judged by how they look!
8. Be respectful of others if you want them to respect you.
9. Acquire the good qualities of being an American!
10. Assimilate in your new country!
What are our personal responsibilities?
1. Do not forget who you are
and where you came from.
2. Teach your children and others about your heritage. America is like
a giant mosaic or a quilt! Diversity is one of our great characteristics!
Always be proud of who you are! When people look at me, they know that
I am originally from another country. However, I have always acted like
an American because now I am a citizen of this country!
3. Have self-confidence.
4. Give back to the community!
I always say that we must give back to the community that we now call home. I have volunteered my services with the City of Mobile and many non-profit organizations. I have sat in different boards like the American Red Cross Gulf Coast Chapter, Mobile Symphony and American-German Business Club. I belonged to committees from different groups. I have become very active in the community. I consider my role as Past Executive Director of Mobile International Festival as my most important community involvement. In fact, looking at all of you who have come from different countries and value your distinctive cultures and heritage, I feel that I am addressing the over 70 country members that comprise the Festival. Some of you might know of Mobile International Festival while some of you might wonder what I’m talking about.
It is a non-profit organization whose mission is EDUCATION. It educates school children from counties in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi for two Student Days. This year, we had an attendance of 12,750 for students/teachers/chaperones between two days. Saturday is the Family Day that attracted approximately 10,000 people from different parts of the country and some even came from abroad. Cultural exhibits, food, entertainment, children’s activities and art abound for three days. We just celebrated our 28th year!
Something that I am proud of is to see many children from among our festival members and those associated with us who have gone into their chosen professions and careers. They are now contributing to this country. Some of them were second or third generations from families who had taken the long journey to come to the US to provide a better life for their families. Whatever the circumstances of their arrival here, they had high hopes for their next generation!
In Mobile International Festival,
I have dealt and associated with members and friends who are like you.
Each one of them is proud of their heritage and is very happy to showcase
their culture to everyone. Understanding racial and social differences
is emphasized. When you see children who are captivated and fascinated
by the international surroundings and ambience, we know that we are touching
their lives. The children learn and, hopefully, will grow up understanding
the world. In this recent Festival on November 17-19 held at the Mobile
Civic Center and Expo Hall, a member had this to share with me. A little
boy, about 10 years old, with his mother from India stopped by the USA
booth. (India is also represented in the Festival.) He asked to have his
passport stamped with, “I love USA”. After his passport was
stamped, he looked up, smiled and said gratefully, “Thank you! America
is the best country in the world!” This says it all!
The song, “America, the Beautiful”, always puts a lump in
my throat! I have goose bumps when I sing the “Star and Spangled
Banner”, our national anthem. I put my right hand over my heart
proudly when I recite the “Pledge of Allegiance”. I stand
in attention when the Color Guard passes in front of me. When I see my
American flag unfurl and rise above the other flags, I stand up proudly
with tears in my eyes. I see the significance of everything. My role in
this country is something that I am forever proud. I know that I will
continue to contribute in making it greater!
Before parting our ways, I would like to say again, “Congratulations!” For many, this will be the only time we see each other. As for those who live in Mobile, remember Mobile International Festival. I invite you to come to next year’s event and if you wish, be a member. This is a way to participate in the community!
And in closing, go forward with your head held high as you are now an American citizen. Your future is in your hands! And never take your new citizenship for granted!