Naturalization Ceremony at Harmony Hall on Independence Day. Photo: Lenoir County Historical Association Facebook Page/Tonya Adams.

On Independence Day, 23 new U.S. citizens were sworn in at a naturalization ceremony held at Harmony Hall. The event was organized by the Lenoir County Historical Association and presided over by The Honorable James C. Dever III, a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The event was marked by speeches from various dignitaries, including Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy, Lenoir County Commissioner Chair Linda Rouse Sutton, and U.S. Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.

"Today we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion as 23 individuals take the solemn oath of United States citizenship here in Kinston," Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy said. "This milestone is not only a testament to their hard work and dedication but also a reflection of the rich diversity that strengthens our communities and our nation as a whole."

Lenoir County Commissioner Chair Linda Rouse Sutton emphasized the significance of the day, expressing gratitude for the new citizens' dedication. "On behalf of the Lenoir County Commissioners, I want to welcome you and tell you that you are our heroes," Sutton said. "You had to go through a lot of challenges to become American citizens, and that makes you my hero."

U.S. Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D highlighted the importance of the commitment the new citizens were making. "Today, you will take an oath to say you no longer have allegiance to the country of your birth, but you are now allegiant to the United States of America," Murphy said. "We are the freest country on Earth, and with that freedom comes responsibility. You are joining a diverse brotherhood united in the cause of freedom."

Judge Dever administered the oath of allegiance, after which the new citizens were presented with certificates of naturalization.

"Today we celebrate the choice you made to be here," Dever said. "You are living witnesses to the rule of law. There is a legal process to become a citizen, and you have done it. You have studied and passed the test, and I congratulate each of you."

The ceremony concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance led by a veteran of the United States Air Force who served during the Vietnam War. Following the pledge, the new citizens received a copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, presented by Bryan Hanks.

"Please take a couple of minutes today to look at the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution," Hanks said. "You have already studied it and know it well, but today, on this historic day, it's worth another look."

The Lenoir County Historical Association has hosted this naturalization ceremony annually since 2011, providing a historical and meaningful setting for new citizens to take their oath. The event at Harmony Hall, a site rich in history, added a special significance to the Independence Day celebrations.

"Remember this day and remember this oath," Congressman Murphy said. "May God bless you all, and I thank you all."