Naturalization Ceremony Takes Place in Redwoods Parks

June 13, a group of 40 legal immigrants raised their right hand and became the newest citizens of the United States. Among the breathtaking trees of the Redwood National and State Parks, the applicants come from 18 countries around the globe, including, Laos, Mexico, Portugal, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

The event opened with the National Anthem sung by Park Ranger Ian Phillips. On hand to witness the ceremony were District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac and Redwood National Park acting- Superintendent Leonel Arguello who equated the symbolic connection between the support citizens in America give one another and how Redwood trees roots support each other.

The group stood in awe beneath the 286 foot-tall Big Tree.

Arguello continued, “Congratulations- not just on earning your citizenship,  but on bringing your story, your heritage, your courage into the fabric of America because you’re proof that the American story is still being written- not just in cities and towns , but right here in the Redwoods. You now belong.”

The United States Citizen and Immigration Services and National Park Service have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which advances  the meaning and stature of  citizenship by  building connections between new citizens and America’s parks. This agreement  has led to special naturalization ceremonies held at many of the 430 National Parks. Naturalization ceremonies have been held at Ellis Island, Yosemite National Park,  Cesar Chavez Monument, Acadia National Park. Death Valley Park, and many sites around the National Mall and, of course, Redwood National and State Parks