Putnam County holds naturalization ceremony; officials urge new citizens to vote and engage

Putnam County Clerk Michael Bartolotti administered the Oath of Allegiance on Feb. 5 as county officials, veterans representatives and community leaders welcomed a group of newly naturalized U.S. citizens.

The ceremony, held in Putnam County, included opening remarks by Amy Sage, chairwoman of the Putnam County Legislature; a prayer by Father Simon Kurpios of Saint John's the Evangelist Church; the pledge of allegiance led by Carl Rohde, director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency; and closing logistics by first deputy county clerk James McConnell. County Executive Kevin Byrne and other local elected officials attended.

Bartolotti told the applicants that becoming a U.S. citizen is "a huge honor" and urged them to remain engaged in their communities. "The more that you're going to put in, the more that you're going to get out," he said, listing civic participation and voting among the duties of citizenship. Amy Sage welcomed the new citizens and called the milestone "a testament to dedication to embracing the privileges and responsibilities that come with United States citizenship." Father Simon Kurpios offered a multi‑faith prayer invoking gratitude and community; Carl Rohde, speaking as a veteran, led the new citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The event included an advance of colors by American Legion Post 1080 and a recorded musical rendition. After the oath, McConnell called up the new citizens individually to receive certificates of naturalization and invited attendees to a reception in Chambers.

No formal legislative actions or votes were recorded at the ceremony; the principal formal act was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance and distribution of certificates. The event featured remarks urging new citizens to volunteer and vote, and provided an opportunity for family photos and a community reception following the ceremony.