Troops earn citizenship in Iraq

BAGHDAD - During the 13th naturalization ceremony conducted in Iraq, 251 Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from 65 different countries became American citizens in the rotunda of the Al Faw Palace, March 3. The youngest participant was 19 and the oldest was 45.

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"American citizenship means that we each commit ourselves to our community, to our state and to our country," said Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, comm. gen., MNC - Iraq. "It means that we participate in improving the quality of our society. It means exercising rights, respecting other's rights and defending our own rights." Although the candidates have already been living in the U.S. and serving in its military, there is still a great deal to gain by becoming an American. "We identify ourselves as 'American'," Austin said, "but, what does it mean to carry the title 'American'?" "It's a blessing," said Spc. Rosemarie Narvaez, Co B, 27th BSB, 1st Cav Div, and originally from the Philippines. "I get the right to vote which is something I've looked forward to doing." "I'm glad I call America home," said Spc. Daley Bornsztejn, Co C, 2nd Bn, 133rd Inf Regt, and Australian by birth. "It's great to be part of something bigger than yourself." One new citizen, Spc. Regis Uwizeye from Rwanda, came to America as a refugee from the country's civil wars, which claimed both his parents. Other countries he tried fleeing to, such as Congo and Kenya, were involved in civil war or civil unrest of their own. He applied for a program to bring refugees to America and was selected. Since then, America has offered a safe haven for Uwizeye. "In America, I can sleep at night and I know the govt won't change overnight because of a military coup," said Uwizeye, who is part of Troop B, 6th Sqdrn, 9th Cav Regt, 1st Cav Div. The safety and future America represents give Uwizeye and other new citizens a strong sense of allegiance to their new homeland, and a sense of responsibility to properly represent it. "We [Americans] have to stand up to the challenge of being the strongest country in the world," Uwizeye said.

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