U.S. Naturalization Ceremony

NEW HAMPSHIRE WELCOMES 72 NEW U.S. CITIZENS

PHOTOS BY ROBERT ORTIZ

hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

With these words that make up the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America, 72 people from 32 countries became U.S. citizens at Strawbery Banke Museum on July 4. The ceremony returned after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photographer Robert Ortiz captured these images that show the collective desire shared by these new citizens to achieve their American Dream fueled by their love of freedom and hope that everyone in America, especially their children and grandchildren, has the right to achieve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness regardless of their color, creed or religious beliefs. — Robert Cook

Romik Papakian, 37 Raymond, NH | Iran “As a kid, I always watched movies and wondered, ‘What if I was part of this great nation?’ It was a long journey, but I am proud and happy to be a U.S. citizen.”

Edvaldo Bezerra, 65 Hudson, NH | Brazil “Everyone wants to be an American citizen. I want to help the country when they need me since America always helped me when I needed them.”

Gordy Louisdor, 27 Manchester, NH | Haiti “To bring my family here and live a better life.”

Darvin Ojha, 21 Manchester, NH | Nepal “I was in the U.S. Army for three years which qualified me to be a U.S. citizen, which would provide me with all the possible opportunities in different fields of my life, such as education, health care and ultimately a quality life.”

Yarelis Mateo Rodriguez, 31 Nashua, NH | Cuba “I came to this country working for more opportunities and freedom. I am very proud to become a U.S. citizen today. God bless this country!”

Marleny Quimbaya, 71 Nashua, NH | Colombia “I like to live here because it is quiet and because of the opportunities.”

Maria Amorim Ragwarsson, 57 Rye, NH | Brazil “My life is here now. I’m married and an American citizen. I would like to vote — I want to make a difference.”

Florian Gavinaitis, 35 Hudson, NH | France “To be able to call my home, my home.”

Sevgi Komuta, 47 Keene, NH | Turkey “Better life and freedom.”