The Big Picture

The Big Picture

Forty-three people from 25 countries, representing almost every continent, took the oath of allegiance and became US citizens during the first-ever naturalization ceremony held at Harvard Kennedy School. As part of the May 13 event, organized by the Ash Center, America’s newest citizens fulfilled their first civic duty and registered to vote following the ceremony with the help of Ash Center staff and Harvard Kennedy School students.

Archon Fung, Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government, left those assembled with these thoughts:

“ It is an audacious proposition. How can more than 300 million citizens who are free and equal, who have so many different cultures, faiths, beliefs, backgrounds, and ideals, govern ourselves better than societies ruled by leaders, classes, or families, who hold themselves out to be especially wise, benevolent, or true?

“ Today, in becoming Americans, you joined with hundreds of millions of us who are betting that democracy is the best form of government. I believe deeply that is the best bet to make.”