It was a picture-perfect day for 50 new United States citizens receiving their official welcome at the Wolf Lake Pavilion.
Hundreds of audience members observed the traditional July 4th outdoor Naturalization Ceremony swearing-in overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich.
“We’re here in support of my father Martin Gonzalez, who’s already up on the stage,” said Victor Gonzalez of Whiting, as he waited with his family for the event to begin. “He came to America from Mexico as a teenager 40 years ago, and he felt it was time to officially become a citizen.”
Among the reasons it took so long were the language barrier, the proud son said.
“He always spoke English, although with a heavy accent. But he’s always lived as a responsible United States resident,” Gonzales said.
Among the audience of about 100 observers, not all were family members of those receiving blessings from the federal court officials.
Many youngsters, and adults as well, received history lessons as the speakers of the day related facts about the Declaration of Independence and outlined the steps that must be completed to become a new U.S. citizen.
“I wanted my son, Isaac, to experience a civics lesson,” said Ray Huntington of Robertsdale, as the two looked over the event program. “He’s planning on going into the military, and these (new citizens) are those he will be serving and protecting.”
Randy and Melanie Weir also felt daughter Karly, 13, would benefit from watching the celebration. Melanie works for the federal court system and understands the significance of the yearly ceremony.
“This is a wonderful occasion,” Melanie Weir said, as the trio listened to Judge Rodovich state the procedure that qualified the immigrants to reach U. S. citizenship. “And what better day to plan this — on our nation’s birthday, the Fourth of July.”
Keynote speaker Rosalie Levinson, a senior research professor from Valparaiso University School of Law, related her family’s experience of coming to America during the Holocaust.
“There is no place I would rather be than here today. This (naturalization ceremony) is truly significant to me,” she said. “I remember my parent’s vivid description of their arrival at Ellis Island. They came with just the clothes on their back.”
And the grateful couple never forgot the wonderful county that allowed an opportunity for a new life, she said.
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“My father was an example of the American Dream,” Levinson said. “He created a successful business, raised four children and sent them all the college.”
After the ceremony, the League of Women Voters (LWVA) offered voter registration for the new citizens.
Usually, two-thirds of them immediately sign-up, according to Barb Schilling, LWVA co-president.
LWVA is a nonpartisan organization that encourages active and informed participation in government. Their mission also works to increase public understanding of policy issues through advocacy and education.
The Hammond chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution distributed flowers to the new honorees, and American flags were presented, compliments of Hammond American Legion, Hammond Federal Court and the LWVA.
The annual outdoor Fourth of July Naturalization Ceremony began almost four decades ago, during the former Hammond Cultural Festival in Hessville.
In the 1990s, the celebration was moved to Harrison Park in downtown Hammond.
Six years ago, the traditional holiday celebration for new U.S. citizens found a permanent home at the then-new Wolf Lake Pavilion.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.