By Alison Mitchell
April 24, 2012 was an especially exciting day at President Lincoln’s Cottage as we hosted our first Naturalization Ceremony at the site. 23 children from 16 countries were sworn in as United States citizens during this special ceremony in the Emancipation Room. Sarah Taylor, Washington District Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), administered a special Oath of Allegiance and presented Certificates of Citizenship to the children, ages 6-14.
Cottage Director Erin Carlson Mast gave congratulatory remarks to the children. “Lincoln believed the United States could be a symbol of hope for people around the world seeking liberty, justice, and equality. Each one of you is part of that hope,” Mast said. Following the ceremony, the children and their families received a tour of the Cottage. What a special experience it must have been for those children to hear about how Lincoln rose up the ladder and lived the “American dream” through hard work and perseverance. It is so rewarding to know that those children will now have the same opportunity!
View Erin Mast’s full remarks here.
Pictured: Executive Director Erin Carlson Mast congratulating one of the new U.S. citizens.
Ms. Mitchell is the Development Coordinator at President Lincoln’s Cottage.
Categories:Archive, Public Programs
Tags:Abraham Lincoln, citizenship, Emancipation Proclamation, Erin Carlson Mast, Naturalization Ceremony, Oath of Allegiance, President Lincoln, President Lincoln's Cottage, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, Washington D.C.
