What a World Class Day at the LHC



September 15, 2009 the United States Immigration and Naturalization Services, Lawrence Field Office (USCIS) held a Naturalization Ceremony at 6 Essex Street Lawrence, MA at the Lawrence History Center. What a day it was! Fifteen new American citizens took the Oath of Citizenship, presided over by US District Court Judge, Honorable Judge Nancy Gertner.



Vocalist, John Castillo, sang "God Bless America" and the Lawrence High School Girls' Ensemble sang the National Anthem.


William Kelley, the Lawrence Field Office Director, presided over the event - which was held in the courtyard with an audience of close to 150 individuals. Other honored speakers included USCIS District Director, Denis Riordan, USCIS Acting Deputy Director Michael Aytes and Lawrence History Center Executive Director, Barbara Brown. The ceremony concluded with audio message from the President of the United States, Barack Obama.



The Color Guard from the USS Constitution was here to present the colors.


Another wonderful part of the ceremony was the presentation of the Outstanding American By Choice Recognition given to Eva Millona of MIRA and to our own Lawrence History Center-Immigrant City Archives founder and first director, Eartha Dengler.


Eartha was presented with this prestigious award for her contributions as an active, engaged naturalized American citizen; for her respect and understanding of immigrant life in Lawrence and her for preservation of that immigrant experience by establishing the Lawrence History Center~Immigrant City Archives in 1978.


After the conclusion of the outdoor ceremony, the new citizens were invited into the History Center's historic Essex Company's Cashier's Office to complete their Social Security and Passport paperwork.


Refreshments served by Sweeneys's, with recipes taken from the Immigrant City Cook Book were savored by everyone! The joy of the day for all involved was only matched by the glorious weather!