Citizenship Ceremony, 1/24/13, Minneapolis Convention Center
On January 24, members of South Tonka LWV and other chapters from around Minnesota met at the Minneapolis Convention Center to welcome over 1,300 new citizens. Of these, LWV registered over 1,000 new voters! These ceremonies are incredibly inspiring and awesome experiences, if you have an opportunity to volunteer for one of these ceremonies, do so!
Below are the comments of new South Tonka LWV member, Shannon Emil on her experience at the ceremony. Thanks for sharing Shannon!
"Thanks, Sue! for giving me the opportunity for one of the most inspiring experiences I've had in years. Wow. What a day! There were a couple of photos in the paper today, and I actually recognized two of the people in one of the photos! Every moment: helping with pens, etc., the reading of the countries represented, the Oath, the kids on the stage for the pledge, and most personally, the smiling and brief chats when the new citizens were on their way out the door. After the rush was over, a 20-30 ish couple came toward us, and she was carrying her folder and had her registration form ready. By that time I had a little spiel ready, "Oh, great, hang on just one minute as I give this a quick check; yes, it looks good, you got them all right, starting with the very first question: YES: you ARE an American Citizen!! Congratulations!! Welcome!! We are so glad you came!!" and the new citizen seemed to enjoy it, too. Anyway, back to this particular couple. They asked rather shyly if I would take their picture and I said of course, but by that time my stupid tremor was so bad that I couldn't hold the camera steady so the sweet League-er next to me did the honors. We chatted for a few minutes (he was a local from his speech) and I asked her where she was from? And she answered Venezuela. I said that was so cool, that I had never met anyone from there and would love to hear about it, then ended with something like "you've come a long way" and she smiled and turned and looked at him, and he looked at her, and there should have been violins. She looked at us and said she loved the Judge's comments, that he had made her cry, and then she started tearing up again and gave me a great big hug and said "Oh, Shannon, this is one of the most wonderful days of my life I just can't help crying -- thank all of you ladies!" and then they turned and left, holding hands, she leaning a bit on his shoulder. and then there should have been an entire string section, I swear! It was all-around wonderful. It was a day I doubt I'll forget."
Below are the comments of new South Tonka LWV member, Shannon Emil on her experience at the ceremony. Thanks for sharing Shannon!
"Thanks, Sue! for giving me the opportunity for one of the most inspiring experiences I've had in years. Wow. What a day! There were a couple of photos in the paper today, and I actually recognized two of the people in one of the photos! Every moment: helping with pens, etc., the reading of the countries represented, the Oath, the kids on the stage for the pledge, and most personally, the smiling and brief chats when the new citizens were on their way out the door. After the rush was over, a 20-30 ish couple came toward us, and she was carrying her folder and had her registration form ready. By that time I had a little spiel ready, "Oh, great, hang on just one minute as I give this a quick check; yes, it looks good, you got them all right, starting with the very first question: YES: you ARE an American Citizen!! Congratulations!! Welcome!! We are so glad you came!!" and the new citizen seemed to enjoy it, too. Anyway, back to this particular couple. They asked rather shyly if I would take their picture and I said of course, but by that time my stupid tremor was so bad that I couldn't hold the camera steady so the sweet League-er next to me did the honors. We chatted for a few minutes (he was a local from his speech) and I asked her where she was from? And she answered Venezuela. I said that was so cool, that I had never met anyone from there and would love to hear about it, then ended with something like "you've come a long way" and she smiled and turned and looked at him, and he looked at her, and there should have been violins. She looked at us and said she loved the Judge's comments, that he had made her cry, and then she started tearing up again and gave me a great big hug and said "Oh, Shannon, this is one of the most wonderful days of my life I just can't help crying -- thank all of you ladies!" and then they turned and left, holding hands, she leaning a bit on his shoulder. and then there should have been an entire string section, I swear! It was all-around wonderful. It was a day I doubt I'll forget."
View from the hall.
Registering to vote for the first time.
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Over 1,300 new citizens.
New citizens!
New members of South Tonka LWV, Shannon, Mary and Lin.
Special thanks to Lin, Mary, Shannon, Susan and Sue for their help!
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