Reed Welcomes 21 New American Citizens During Independence Day Celebration at McCoy Stadium

PAWTUCKET, RI – Tonight, U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined with twenty-one new Americans as they celebrated their first day as United States citizens by enjoying a great American tradition: baseball.

Reed was on the field at McCoy Stadium, home of the Pawtucket Red Sox, as part of a pre-game naturalization ceremony as the new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance to America and celebrated their U.S. citizenship.

“It gives me great pride to see these folks raise their hands and take the oath of citizenship, pledging their love and loyalty to this great nation of ours, and promising to uphold the ideals and principles we cherish.  They’ve worked hard to learn the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and now they are officially part of our country.  Our history is their history, and we welcome them to a bright shared future,” said Reed.  “I appreciate the PawSox giving me the opportunity to join in welcoming these new citizens to America and enjoy America’s pastime, baseball.”

The new citizens come from Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Cape Verde, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Laos, Liberia, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Thailand, and Ukraine.  They make their homes in a variety of Rhode Island cities and towns, including: Cranston, Johnston, Narragansett, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Providence, Smithfield, West Warwick and Warwick.

After the ceremony, Reed threw out an honorary first pitch before the ball game between the PawSox and the Rochester Red Wings. After the game, all the fans will be treated to a spectacular fireworks show to celebrate our nation’s independence.

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