Our Newest American (in a 4753-way tie)

After months of paperwork, hundreds of dollars in fees and a scary interview and quiz with an Immigration Officer, Huong finally got to take her Oath last Friday and become an American. 

We arrived early so I got a front row seat in the spectator section. In about two hours, 4753 immigrants slowly filled the large hall. Most applicants walked alone but a few were in pairs, maybe sibling combinations. At least seven wore U.S. military uniforms. Most people dressed up in a suit and tie or a nice dress. The poorer people did their best. The screens beside the giant American flag gave the statistics. Exactly 133 countries were represented here. The top five countries were Mexico, Philippines, El Salvador, Iran and Guatemala, in that order. 

A clerk announced how the LA Convention Center was going to become a temporary courtroom. We all stood as the judge entered. He granted some legal motions and swore in the crowd with an Oath. He welcomed and congratulated the new Americans. Everyone applauded and several people cheered. The crowd recited the same Pledge of Allegiance that every American learns in grade school. A talented black singer sang The National Anthem. Some spectators and a few new Americans sang along. A video played on the big screens while Lee Greenwood's I'm Proud To Be An American played in the background. It was all very moving. There's something about patriotism and large groups that puts a lump in my throat every time.  

We went to The Pantry for Huong's first real American breakfast as a real American.