FORTY new U.S. citizens were sworn in at a special naturalization ceremony held at American Memorial Park’s Memorial Court of Honor and Flag Circle on Thursday morning.
Presiding over the special court session, District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona granted the motion of U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services Officer Patricia Phelan, and welcomed the new U.S. citizens to the American family. Also present were USCIS-Guam Office Supervisor Karena Dulla and Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy.
Judge Manglona noted that among the new U.S. citizens were six couples.
Most of the new U.S. citizens are from the Philippines, with one each from Cambodia, Korea and New Zealand.
USCIS Seattle District Office Director Leanne Leigh, the guest speaker, acknowledged the beautiful rendition of the national and Commonwealth anthems by the Marianas High School glee club.
“I think it is the most beautiful rendition of our national anthem — it gave me chills,” she said. “I don’t know if anybody else notices … it’s one of those things that I just want to freeze in my memory forever — that beautiful national anthem with the birds chirping almost singing along on your special day — those things are priceless,” Leigh said.
“Less than an hour ago,” she said, “each of you arrived in this national park as an immigrant, citizens of four different countries. You raised your right hand to take the oath of allegiance, and after saying those 140 words in less than a minute, you became citizens of the United States, changing your lives forever.”
She said America is a nation built on the contributions of immigrants.
“A tapestry woven with threads from every corner of the globe, from the early settlers seeking religious freedom, to the millions who arrived at Ellis Island in search of a better life. Immigration has been the engine of American growth, diversity and resilience,” Leigh added.
She said Saipan’s history mirrors this narrative. “Before becoming part of the United States, Saipan was home to a diverse population influenced by Spanish, German, and Japanese colonial rule. The arrival of the Americans during and after World War II introduced new dynamics to this cultural landscape blending local traditions with American ideals. The Marianas campaign, including the battles of Saipan, Tinian, not only reshaped the Pacific but also laid the groundwork for Saipan’s decades long transition to its current standing under immigration law,” Leigh said.
She asked the new U.S. citizens to reflect on the broader connection between sacrifice and freedom and honor the history represented by American Memorial Park.
“We recognize that some of you had made great sacrifices to be here, coming from across the oceans, beginning a new life, starting over from scratch. Some of you have escaped oppression, some have fought for freedom, some have come seeking employment opportunities, some have left family, and some have reunited with family — mutually we all appreciate the blessing of liberty. Whatever your immigrant story take time to memorialize it, share it with family, your friends, your loved ones, your community, for generations to come. You embrace a new future on a new homeland. Today all of you have taken the last step with your journey to become citizens of this great nation,” Leigh said.
The new U.S. citizens are: Geraldine R. Acoba, Elli A. Aguilar, Mercita S. Alejandre, Ricardo P. Ansay, Jhovie Kate A. Asuncion, Nora J. Ayuyu, Aldritz D. Buensalido, Dolores B. Castro, Bernadita G. Catana, Noel I. Conti, Mila A. Cultura, Nolan B. Cultura, Manuel C. Dacuma, Fatima Louise H. Decano, Jamin Daniel C. Dela Cuz, Frederick T. Fatialofa, Paulina L. Garcia, Rolando M. Gatchalian, Andres V. Halaby, Randy A. Jacob, Jihyun Kim, Thony Joy P. Mabini, Cristina F. Magofna, Orlando T. Mallari, Rosemarie S. Maratita, Emma A. Montenejo, Jojie A. Montenejo, Noelito M. Ong, Paloma V. Ong, Maria Cecilia A. Puguon, Nikko C. Puguon, Teresita S. Ramos, Virgilio F. Ramos, Aileen M. San Nicolas, Marian F. Santos, Restituto P. Santos, Savannah Gayle F. Santos, Maria Pinky R. Tentia, Helen V. Tiples and Lilio B. Tiples.
Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services District Director for the Seattle District Office Leanne Leigh, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, USCIS-Guam Supervisor Karena Dulla and USCIS Officer Patricia Phelan pose with the 40 new U.S. citizens at American Memorial Park’s Court of Honor and Flag Circle on Thursday.
USCIS Seattle District Office Director Leanne Leigh delivers her remarks.
