27 new citizens sworn in during Berks ceremony
Jul. 25—Twenty-seven people from 11 home countries completed their path to U.S. citizenship during a naturalization ceremony at the Berks County Courthouse.
Surrounded by friends and family members, the county's newest citizens raised their right hand and took an oath of allegiance administered by the Judge Madelyn S. Fudeman, according to a press release from the Berks County Bar Association, which hosted the ceremony last week.
"The dedication you have to the principles of advancement have propelled you to this place," Fudeman said.
Bar Association President James M. Smith congratulated the group and urged each to take tremendous pride in becoming citizens.
"And while your journey to naturalized citizenship is about to end, today marks the start of a thousand new adventures and rewarding journeys ahead," Smith said. "For each of you, today marks a new chapter of life, liberty and your pursuit of happiness."
In addition to the official ceremonies, each new citizen received an American flag, voter registration information and other items to commemorate the occasion from civic organizations and governmental offices including The League of Women Voters of Berks County; Altrusa International; The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks County; Daughters of the American Revolution; Berks County Election Services; and state Sen. Judy Schwank.
Schwank encouraged new citizens to get involved in the community.
"Reading and Berks County benefit from your contribution," Schwank said.
The Bar Association will host another naturalization ceremony Oct. 12 in the courthouse.
