My Oakland Park, FL Oath Experience

[bonnerbonner 6]

Today/yesterday... Feb 17... I had my Oath Ceremony at Oakland Park, FL. The time given was at 7:30am, however after dividing the line in two, one for new citizens and the other for families and friends they didnt get going until 8:30am. In the waiting line outside the building, they stapled our greencards to the oath date letter and gave it back to us. They sent the families & friends in the waiting room, then had the new citizens-to-be in the room where the ceremony was going to be held. On our chairs were packets & a flag. Packets included but not limited to, a copy of the Presidents speech, passport application and voters registration form. We had to stand up and raise our right hand and swear that everything we put on the form stating after the interview was true and correct. Sat down, then they brought in the families and friends. MC introduced herself, played faces of America on tv (showing immigration from when it was through Ellis Island.. the Boat... up until recent times). We sang the Star Spangled Banner. There was a recorded speech to us being new American Citizens by President Obama. A police officer (female) read out all 46 countries with 176 people. My home country JAMAICA had 24, CUBA 15, COLUMBIA 26 & HAITI 29. We repeated the Pledge of Allegance (this was done by a citizen-to-be). At the end we sang, I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, WHERE AT LEAST I KNOW I'M FREE, And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today. ‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA. While singing that song, we waved our flags and the USCIS workers walked around waving their flags and singing at the top of their voices. We were told to wait for our Naturalization Certificate in our seats and the USCIS employees will bring it to us. We were also told to double check for any errors so it can be corrected right then and there.

It was a very nice experience, I felt proud, and emotional especially during the songs, because NOW they mean something to ME!!!

I would like to also say thank you to everyone who helped me on my journey through their advice and experience. I will be coming online from time to time, to see if I can assist others on their journey. God bless you and may God bless America.

Edited February 18, 2011 by bonnerbonner

[JA Tam 7]

YAY!!! I know, it took me all of 3 weeks to finally read your review. Thanks hon, will share with hubby later.

[bonnerbonner 6]

All of 3 weeks!!! Cho!!! Your hubby is Wednesday? I can't wait to hear about it. You should ask them what happened last week.

[AlmaD 2]

Congratulations! Sounds like you had a wonderful Oath Ceremony

[JA Tam 7]

All of 3 weeks!!! Cho!!! Your hubby is Wednesday? I can't wait to hear about it. You should ask them what happened last week.

YES!!! I can't wait for it to happen. I'll definitely put up his experience and knowing him, he will definitely ask them.

[bonnerbonner 6]

Thanks AlmaD. It was a good experience

I will wait for your phone call JA Tam. Am planning to go JA soon, before the month ends. I will let u know.

[JA Tam 7]

Thanks AlmaD. It was a good experience

I will wait for your phone call JA Tam. Am planning to go JA soon, before the month ends. I will let u know.

I'm so JEALOUS . We were talking about the trip we are planning to do this year. We were thinking of going home, but his parents are coming here to NY and we don't know what my dad is up to, so we may go to another small island for a vacation. Let me know if you are going home; FYI - remember if you are bringing home any presents for people, use your JA passport when you enter Ja so you don't get charged.

[JA Tam 7]

Oh yes, I will definitely call!