OT: Attended USA Naturalization Ceremony Last Friday

dbCooper

Some background info... We've been regulars a family run Mexican restaurant in Lincoln for over 25 years.  Pre-covid we'd be there most every Wednesday for half-priced margaritas and some really good food.  The staff has always been exclusively immigrants.  Around 2004 a busboy named Carlos started work there, newly arrived from Jalisco, MX and didn't know much of the English language.  He came with a killer smile and a always jovial attitude.  After a time he moved up to a cook, then as his English improved he became a waiter, finally ended up managing the place.  He completed his college degree three years ago and now teaches Spanish at a local high school.

Over the years we came to know him quite well and became very close friends with him and family.  Friday he and 20 or so others became US citizens, Angie and I attended the ceremony.  It was a very moving experience, partially due to knowing the personal struggles and hard work Carlos had to endure to get to this point, more so due to the judges comments.  In a nutshell he gave a of history of the melting pot that is America and reminded that unless you are a Native American everyone here is tied to immigrants.  He also made note that those born here came into the world with a winning lottery ticket in hand.  It was all good stuff to be reminded of.

Below you can see a very proud Carlos in the center, L to R is mother-in-law Diane, wife Danielle, stepson Adrian and daughter Mimi.

johnmitchell

What an awesome story. It was also one of my proudest days, when my Wife and I became citizens and swore allegiance to the flag of one of the greatest countries in the world 🇺🇸

Langner91

Awesome!  My father is an immigrant, so I am always glad to see this. Thank you for sharing!

lousubcap

Thank you for the truly positive thread, especially in today's chaotic and divisive world.  I am confident Carlos knows more about American history than the majority of US citizens.  
Great way to start the week!  🇺🇸

RagingIrishman

A wonderful and positive story. 

caliking

Ho wonderful for him and his family!

Canugghead

Thanks for sharing. You did justice by not burying this heart warming story all around in WAYDRN.

dmchicago

Great story. 

SamIAm2

Thank you for sharing this truly heartwarming story and reminder that this country is still a melting pot and a beacon for those less fortunate who want to come, contribute, and care for their families. The story and photo made me smile. 

dbCooper

johnmitchell said:

What an awesome story. It was also one of my proudest days, when my Wife and I became citizens and swore allegiance to the flag of one of the greatest countries in the world 🇺🇸

@johnmitchell

If you don't mind saying, what country did you folks immigrate from?

GrateEggspectations

Nice post. Thank you for sharing. 

theyolksonyou

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1179125/my-most-proud-and-honorable-day-of-my-life/p1

DuckDogDr

@dbCooper me and my co-workers are doing the same for our friend next week

The Cen-Tex Smoker

Greatness

johnmitchell

dbCooper said:

johnmitchell said:

What an awesome story. It was also one of my proudest days, when my Wife and I became citizens and swore allegiance to the flag of one of the greatest countries in the world 🇺🇸

@johnmitchell

If you don't mind saying, what country did you folks immigrate from?

South Africa 

northGAcock

johnmitchell said:

What an awesome story. It was also one of my proudest days, when my Wife and I became citizens and swore allegiance to the flag of one of the greatest countries in the world 🇺🇸

You are the most welcomed citizen I know. No disrespect to Carlos and his family intended. That is a great story. I hope this finds you and your wife to be healthy and well. Until next we share a beverage, cheers my friend. 

Canugghead

Proudly attended my citizenship ceremony many moons ago. Here in GWN there's a string attached and it gets controversial occasionally - one has to pledge allegiance to the Royals across the pond 🇨🇦🇬🇧

Legume

Excellent - great story, great reminder.