Submarine Force Museum, home of the historic ship Nautilus, Site of Naturalization Ceremony Commemorating Military Appreciation Month
New Release

GROTON, Conn.—Thirteen members of the U.S. armed forces became citizens of the United States today in a special judicial ceremony commemorating Military Appreciation Month.

May is the month Americans remember all of the members of our armed forces for their tireless dedication to duty, our country and the freedoms we all enjoy.  This ceremony is the first of its kind in Connecticut.

This also marked the first time the Submarine Force Museum, home of the historic ship Nautilus, has hosted a naturalization ceremony.  The Honorable Warren W. Eginton, Senior United States District Judge, presided during the ceremony, which welcomed new citizens hailing from 12 different countries.  The keynote address was given by U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney.

“It is truly an honor for USCIS to facilitate Connecticut’s first military oath ceremony at such an historic and fitting venue,” said Ethan Enzer, Field Office Director for USCIS in Hartford.  “This part of the country is steeped in military history and tradition, and we are privileged to present these members of our armed forces to be sworn in as our country’s newest U.S. citizens.”

“These 13 members of the U.S. armed forces have served our country bravely and with distinction,” Rep.  Courtney said. “Long before today’s oath, they demonstrated the best traits of America -- courage, sacrifice and dedication. I can’t think of a better way to commemorate Military Appreciation Month than by honoring this group of men and women with the citizenship they have so clearly earned.”

The service men and women naturalized today are serving in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard and hailed from Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Germany, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Philippines, People's Republic of China, Peru, and Poland.  They join more than 58,300 other service members who, since September 2001, have become naturalized citizens through their service in the U.S. armed forces.

More information about immigration services and benefits for members of the U.S. armed forces and their family is available online at www.uscis.gov/military.