60 deployed servicemembers earn U.S. citizenship

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (April 7, 2008) - "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America..."

As they held their hands over their hearts and recited the Pledge of Allegiance, the importance of those words was proudly displayed on the faces of 60 members of the U.S. Armed Forces who had become American citizens just moments before.

"I am proud to become an American citizen," said Spc. Anthony Kassem of the 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment, and a cavalry scout from Alameda, Calif., who was originally from Canada. "I look forward to performing my civic duties such as voting and participating in local and regional events as a citizen."

Fellow Armed Force members proudly cheered for their comrades in arms at the naturalization ceremony on April 5 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The newly-naturalized citizens came from nations around the world, including Ireland, Mexico, Egypt, and Iraq.

During the ceremony the commander of U.S. Army Central, Lt. Gen. Jim Lovelace, pointed out the efforts and sacrifices made by those receiving citizenship and highlighted the commitment they had already made to defend their new home country.

Many reactions were seen on the faces of the new Americans as they returned to their seats with the papers proclaiming their citizenship. Some sat rigid and proud while others openly shed tears and held the papers in their shaking hands.

At the end of the ceremony the Servicemembers left the building not only as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, but as proud citizens of the United States.