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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Citizenship

It is 1am, I should not be doing anything but getting myself to bed. I had to drop a quick note to let friends and family know that my husband became an American citizen today.

The ceremony was not what I was expecting, but then again, who knew what to expect from something you'd never experienced? The three speakers were welcoming, especially the federal judge who urged the new citizens to remember where they come from, to teach their children their native language and to be themselves, thus adding to the rich diversity of our culture here. (How perfect is it for children to hear, from the presiding judge, that their "other" language is important and that they need to practice it each day?) This can and will be repeated in our house.

It is not an easy decision to decide to begin the procedure that leads to citizenship. It's a different sort of commitment than buying a house with the intention to live there for many years, or choosing  an educational approach for your children, both big decisions as well. You are accepting a new culture and choosing to make it your own, after many years in that country. Still, I was not expecting the warmth and the emotion that was present in the room and remained with us all throughout the evening. Congratulations, mon cheri!


3 comments:

  1. Congratulations! Beautiful picture and so nice to see Grandma in one as well. Love to all,
    Amy Sexton

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  2. Thank you, Amy!

    It was a special moment, one I'm so glad my parents and a few faithful friends could share in (they all arrived at 12:30, like us, but nothing began officially until 1:30, sort of a long wait!)

    Hope all is well at your house!

    love,

    Angela

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  3. I'm curious, did he give up his French citizenship or has he dual citizenship now? I think that Germany doesn't allow dual citizenship after you acquire a new citizenship by choice. (There seem to be exceptions, but it's a case by case decision).

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