"...that I will support and defend the Constitution..."

The title of this post is taken from the Oath of Allegiance, administered to each candidate for citizenship as he/she is sworn in as citizen of the United States.

Today, Secretary Napolitano was at the Pentagon to administer the oath to 31 members of the military, three of whom are part of the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) pilot program. The new citizens hail from 20 countries across 5 continents, and collectively serve the United States in several branches of our armed forces.

“Since 9/11, we have helped more than 52,000 courageous soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors gain the benefits and rewards of U.S. citizenship,” said Secretary Napolitano. “I am proud to swear in these brave men and women who have come from all over the world to serve our country and become its newest citizens.”

The Secretary was joined in the courtyard at the Pentagon for the ceremony by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas.

Secretary Gates lauded the new citizens' service, saying:

"I thank you for defending the people of the United States, your people, and the self-evident truths they hold so dear."

Director Mayorkas presented all 31 candidtates to Secretary Napolitano as they were given their certificates, and Seaman John Zamora lead the new citizens and onlookers in the Pledge of Allegiance.

We'll have video soon.

On the 4th, Liberty for All

On Saturday, Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute participated in a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony for seven members of the military at the Statue of Liberty. She administered the Oath of Allegiance to the seven and thanked them for their service.

"The bright light of America will shine brighter on Saturday. These men and women have served their country with honor—and on Saturday, their country will honor them. Their service in defense of freedom sends the message that all can find their freedom here. Their naturalization continues our proud tradition of welcoming immigrants in the spirit of liberty. "

--Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute

The group was comprised of members of the Army, Navy, and Marines - all seven from New York. Just before the ceremony, the Deputy Secretary and the seven climbed the 354 steps to Lady Liberty's crown, among the first to do so since the 9/11 attacks.

Lady Liberty's crown was closed after 9/11, but Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar was on hand to officially reopen the monument to public traffic. About 240 people will be able to make the trek to the top each day. Can't get to Lady Liberty in person? Check out the National Park Service's virtual tour.

USCIS hosted naturalization ceremonies all over the world this past fourth, welcoming over 6,000 new United States citizens. DVIDS captured some great video from the ceremony in Baghdad, attended by Vice President Joe Biden and Iraq Commander Gen. Raymond Odierno. Check it out here!