Twenty-three new Americans took the oath of allegiance Thursday morning at Harmony Hall. Photo by Linda Whittington / Neuse News

An unofficial welcoming committee of authentic American gnats joined family, friends and dignitaries in celebrating the naturalization of new American citizens in Kinston Thursday morning. 

The Lenoir County Historical Association hosted the 15th annual July 4 naturalization ceremony at Harmony Hall as 23 new citizens took the oath of allegiance to their new country. 

The annual event was missing the presence of Congressman Walter B. Jones, who had attended the ceremony every year before passing away in February. U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever III, who presided over the naturalization ceremony, said Jones was proud to be able to congratulate the new citizens, and always said the ceremony was the highlight of the congressman’s summer.

Candidates for citizenship from 17 different countries swore their oath and received their certificates of naturalization as everyone present experienced the muggy heat of a July morning. 

Dever said presiding over the ceremony is a reminder for him of the gifts of citizenship in the U.S., something that many who are born citizens don’t always recognize. 

“To see the joy on the faces of new citizens is a wonderful way to begin the day,” Dever said. 

Lourdes Susseth Feliz Colon, originally from Panama, said she came to the U.S. nine years ago and began the process of becoming a citizen last October. Studying for the citizenship test was a lot of work, she said, but she learned a lot and said she understands much more about her adopted country.

“We’ve celebrated the Fourth of July since we came to the U.S., but now it’s going to be even more special,” she said. 

Kinston Mayor Don Hardy helped welcome the candidates for citizenship to the ceremony. He said this was his first time at the event, but he plans to attend every year going forward. 

Hardy said the event shows the great diversity to be found in communities all over the country, as well as the honor and importance of citizenship in the United States. 

As the ceremony started, candidates for citizenship marched in to the accompaniment of bagpipe music from retired special forces Sgt. Robert J. White, a Vietnam War veteran. Rev. Mike Parker gave the invocation and Chris Raines performed the national anthem. 

The Goldsboro Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary presented the colors and Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader Elias Gutierrez led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Lisa Whitfield of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented each new citizen with a pin and Chris Segal of The Free Press presented them with a copy of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

Following the ceremony, the new citizens and their families were treated to a reception inside historic Harmony Hall hosted by the Lenoir County Historical Association with support from the Kinston Rotary Club.