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TAM, TAW, and myself were lucky enough to see AndyC become a citizen today. It was quite an event.

759 people from 93 countries became US citizens today at the Plano Event Center. This venue has seating for approximately 4,500 people, and I would say the place was 90% filled.

The gentleman who was the representative of the American government gave a very nice talk about the process, rights, and responsibilities of becoming an American citizen. He is a native of Wichita Falls, TX; joined the US Army to see the world.......and wound up stationed at Fort Sill, OK, only 47 miles from his hometown! Later postings were to Germany and Kosovo. He told stories of meeting fellow Americans from many different places. He now is honored to help people become American citizens. He didn't speak English.....he spoke Texan.

Prior to administering the oath, he announced all 93 home countries, in alphabetical order. When he announced each country's name, the person/s from those countries stood up to the constant applause. Some countries had only 1 person stand, while Canada, Mexico, UK, and Nigeria were SOME of the countries that had a bunch of folks.

During the course of the event we all pledged allegiance to the US, sung the National Anthem, were treated to American the Beautiful (with video of citizens being sworn in at various US National Parks), and a video of President Trump welcoming the new citizens.

After the event I managed to find AndyC, his SO, TAM, TAW, and another friend (non-forum member I believe). We all had a nice Mexican meal, then called it a day.

Congratulations to AndyC to becoming an American. Most of us on this board became Americans by the simple act of birth.

Others become Americans after long bureaucratic journeys to be a fully vested citizen in the greatest country in the world.

Every day in America is a gift. So enjoy the present.

SIA