NATURALIZATION CEREMONY REMARKS Regina M. Foley, Chair, Board of Governors Philadelphia Bar Association U.S.

Courthouse, 6th and Market Sts. | July 7, 2011 | 10:30 A.M.

Good morning, Judge Robreno, members of the Bar, officers of the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service; new citizens, family members and guests.

On behalf of the Philadelphia Bar Association, the oldest association of lawyers in the United States, its my pleasure to welcome you and congratulate you on this beautiful and happy occasion.

You are the newest individuals granted the privilege to be citizens of our great nation. As this ceremony coincides with our nations Freedom Day, you have an even greater privilege to be naturalized in the city of Philadelphia where the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Declaration lays the foundation upon which this country was built. This document states, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. These rights are the anchors of the American way of life - your new way of life.

This is your day to begin to fully embrace the ideals of independence that the Declaration espouses. You have come to America to enjoy rights and freedoms found in few other nations. As citizens youll have the right to free speech, the right to practice any religion and the right to due process. Youll also have the right to vote for your leaders. Exercise this right and teach it to your children. The right to vote is a precious freedom that Americans hold near and dear to their hearts.

Perhaps some of you may become productively involved in the law, whether as lawyers or advocates for those less fortunate or in need in some way or another. As American citizens, youll have the right to participate in many matters related to the legal community. You may also have the opportunity to serve on a jury and participate in the civic life of your community on an even higher level. These activities help to shape and maintain the American system of justice. At the Philadelphia Bar Association, our very mission is to serve the profession and the public by promoting justice, professional excellence and respect for the rule of law. In so doing, the Association strives to foster understanding of, involvement in and access to the justice system. Our nations founders forged the dream for a new life. The pain of their sacrifices gave them the courage to fight for the freedom that the Declaration promises. Fully exercise your new rights as you make a new life for you and your families. The motto of the United States, E Pluribus Unum, means from many, one. It follows that, as American citizens, you pledge your allegiance to this country and do your part to uphold the values that inspired the freedoms that we enjoy. Although we all come from different corners of the world, we are one united citizenry. You are claiming your rights to independence today. While you are shedding your former citizenship, dont forget the cultures that you have brought with you. America was built on diversity and it continues to grow with the best influences that those like you bring from around the world. Treasure your heritage, as it makes you who you are. Your personal experiences drove and inspired you to come here, and they will continue to drive and inspire you to be great Americans. The Declaration of Independence enables us to stake a claim in our future and embrace all of the opportunities available to us as citizens. It also implies that we have a duty to

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contribute to the greater whole of society by seeking out opportunities to volunteer in our communities, and helping our neighbors and friends who may struggle along the way. So, I want all of you to look at today as your Independence Day. This is your day to take advantage of the rights and freedoms that America promises. Realize your dreams and own the opportunities presented to you. America was founded on a thirst for freedom and it remains the land of opportunity. On a day like this, it is good to remember what Justice Thurgood Marshall said exactly 30 years ago when he observed, and I quote: We must never forget that the only real source of power that we can ever tap is the respect of the people. You are the people; you are the citizens of the United States of America; you are the source of any respect or power that we may derive. Beginning today, you are the future of this nation! Congratulations, and good luck!

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