Welcome Remarks Constitution Day Naturalization Ceremony
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and most importantly, our new fellow citizens, welcome to the 威尼斯人娱乐场!
As the Archivist of the United States, it is my distinct honor to be the first to officially welcome you as the newest members of our big boisterous American family!
Two-hundred and thirty-six years ago this week, delegates from across the states came together in Philadelphia to sign the Constitution. As the students from Alice Deal Middle School so wonderfully recited, it starts with a simple, but profound statement: 鈥淲e the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union.鈥︹��
Those delegates understood that to succeed, our democracy鈥撯�搘hat George Washington called our 鈥淕reat Experiment鈥濃�撯�搘ould require the active participation of an informed and engaged citizenry. In fact, at the end of the Constitutional Convention, a woman asked Ben Franklin if the proposed government would result in a republic or a monarchy. Dr. Franklin famously replied, 鈥淎 republic, if you can keep it.鈥�
What did Franklin mean? His remark gets to the heart of what鈥檚 required to sustain a democracy. Any government which derives its just powers from the people requires eternal vigilance, engagement, and knowledge.
Today, in this Rotunda, we are surrounded by the most important documents in our nation鈥檚 history. Just a few minutes ago, you pledged to uphold the Constitution, which outlines our system of governance.
To my right is the Declaration of Independence, in which our founders boldly set the vision for our nation: 鈥淭hat all men are created equal.鈥� The hard work to fulfill this vision is ongoing, and as citizens, you now join the effort.
And to my left is the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They spell out the fundamental rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to every American, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press; the right to petition our government; and the right to due process of law.
These Charters are the bedrock of our democracy; but they are not static relics. They are a testament to the enduring values of freedom, justice, and equality that we are continuously striving to perfect. They are living promises - a covenant between the government and its citizenry.
As Archivist, I hold these Charters in trust. But I hope you always remember, as American citizens, they belong to you!
Now, it鈥檚 my pleasure to invite up someone who knows first-hand what today鈥檚 naturalization ceremony means for you. Reverend Eugene Cho is the President and CEO of Bread for the World, an advocacy organization that works to empower policies and programs that can help end world hunger. His family made the hard trip from North Korea to South Korea, where he was born, and then the even harder decision to leave their homeland to come here to the United States. Reverend Cho is no stranger to making his voice heard! He has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as an Outstanding American by Choice.
Please join me in welcoming Reverend Cho; and congratulations again to my fellow citizens!