There is a national debate about legal immigrants and allowing illegal immigrants into our country. I would like to express my concern that most of the members of the school board for our Anchorage public schools found it unnecessary for the students to sing the national anthem, and further, in the past a discussion took place that students did not have to say or stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
It is interesting that there are not too many countries where immigrants want to reside. Many countries do not enjoy the freedoms we enjoy, as stated in our Constitution.
You may not know that it takes a lot to become a new citizen. Most have to reside in our country for more than five years before they can become naturalized. I wonder how many of the school board members would recite the following Oath of Allegiance or even our own citizens for that matter:
“I hereby declare on oath or affirmation that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen. That I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the U.S. when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the U.S. when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion.”
I think everyone should take their children to a naturalization ceremony. Each new citizen is provided with a moment to make a comment. I remember one such citizen who said “I am so happy that you let me in.” The ceremony is an uplifting and joyous occasion. The Sweet Adelines have for many years provided the music of “This is Our Country,” the Federated Women’s Club provides refreshments and the Daughters of the American Revolution hand out copies of the Flag Code.
Pick up a copy of the Constitution. Your elected officials have them available. God bless America, and God bless you.
— Gayle Cederberg
Anchorage
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