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Putnam County naturalization ceremony welcomes new U.S. citizens
Summary
Putnam County Court held a naturalization ceremony in which judges and local officials welcomed applicants, a community nonprofit speaker urged organ-donor registration, the oath of allegiance was administered by County Clerk Michael C. Bartolotti, and certificates and a reception followed.
Putnam County Court held a naturalization ceremony at the Putnam County Courthouse where The Honorable Joseph J. Spofford Jr. presided and local officials welcomed applicants who completed the naturalization process. Joseph Spaafner, who identified himself as a Putnam County court judge, opened the program and invited the American Legion Post 10/80 to advance the colors.
County Clerk Michael C. Bartolotti administered the oath of allegiance to the applicants. Candidates repeated the oath, which included renouncing prior allegiances and promising to "support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America," and concluded with "so help me God." After the oath, Bartolotti congratulated the new citizens and officials invited them to have photographs taken with dignitaries and attend a reception on the floor.
Sheriff Kevin McConnell and other local dignitaries emphasized civic responsibilities in brief remarks, urging the new citizens to register and to participate in community organizations and the electoral process. The Honorable Robert D. King, Putnam County district attorney, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lauren Shields, introduced as a community and government affairs liaison with a nonprofit organization in New York, told the audience that she received a life-saving heart transplant and urged attendees to consider organ donation. "Today, signing up to be an organ donor exemplifies the spirit and generosity of giving back to one's community," Shields said, describing her recovery and advocacy work.
Ariana Peru of RUSA High School performed a vocal selection for the ceremony, concluding with "God Bless America," and was thanked by officials for her contribution. Deputy 1st Deputy County Clerk James McConnell called the newly naturalized citizens forward to receive their certificates; a reception for photo opportunities with officials followed.
The ceremony did not record a specified number of new citizens in the transcript. Officials noted the ceremony is one of the county's regular naturalization events and invited attendees to become active community members now that they have the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
