Joe Uecker

State Representative

05/18/2009

May-a patriotic month.

As the Ohio Senate tackles the state budget that was sent by the Ohio House, I will take this "break in the action" to spend a moment with a more patriotic view.  A few days ago, I had the privilege of witnessing 78 immigrants become brand new United States citizens.  With around 1000 New Richmond High School and Elementary School students looking on, the high school gymnasium became a temporary U.S. Federal Court Room and men and women from 35 different countries took the oath of allegiance to become our newest fellow countrymen. 

It was a wet and windy day last Thursday, May 14th, as I had the opportunity to greet some of the folks who were about to take the oath.  One man who came to this country a few years ago with his mother, has been working as a baker for several years. You could see the excitement and pride in his expressions as he talked about becoming a U.S. citizen.  Another was a young woman from Italy, who had a friend with her from Mexico City as support, who also talked excitedly about what she had learned during the lengthy process. 

To begin the ceremony, a Federal Court bailiff ordered "All Rise" as U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Timothy Hogan entered to preside.  He congratulated all and then asked each candidate to stand and introduce themselves and the country they originally came from.  I counted 35 different countries from around the world.

When the time came, Judge Hogan asked everyone to rise and another bailiff had them in mass repeat the official oath of allegiance.  It is quite an oath.  First, you declare to renounce any allegiance to any other country and to support and defend the U.S. Constitution.  Then they declare that they will take up arms in defense of the United States if called upon by law or even to engage in non-combatant activities if called upon. 

Just think about that. We who were born citizens take all of this for granted -these 78 did so willingly and deliberately.  I have often been somewhat jealous of those who have converted to the religious faith that I share. I was born and raised in a Christian home so I tend to take some things for granted. But those who convert do so with full knowledge and purpose.  They are almost always wonderfully passionate about their faith.  The same held true with these who became our newest fellow Americans.

As the men and women were finally finished with their oaths, the crowd in the stands rose in thunderous applause and the new citizens all shouted and cheered, waving their hands and congratulating each other.  You couldn't help but feel a lump in your throat watching this first display of U.S. patriotism.

Moments later, Judge Hogan invited everyone to stand and say the "Pledge of Allegiance". As I looked around at the onlookers watching this first pledge... there was not a dry eye in the house.

Timing is everything. With all the beautiful ceremonies taking place all over this "Armed Forces Day" weekend and the upcoming "Memorial Day", I can't think of a better time to welcome 78 new Americans.

I congratulate and thank the New Richmond School District for hosting the event along with Duke Energy and Nancy Ball and the staff of the Clermont County Boys and Girls Club who helped sponsor the ceremony.  I would like to see more of these ceremonies take place in our schools as a way of helping our young citizens see how others around the globe place a high value on being a citizen of the greatest country in the world.

If you have any thoughts on the matter you would like to share, please feel free to either call or send me an email with your comments.

Joe Uecker

State Representative

Ohio’s 66 District

Representing Batavia, Goshen, Miami and Union Townships as well as the Cities of Loveland and Milford and the Villages of Batavia and Amelia. 

Columbus Phone: 614-466-8134

Local Phone: 513-532-0912

Email:   Joe@JoeUecker.com

Website: http://JoeUecker.com