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SLIDESHOW | images | CNO Visits USS Constitution, Naturalizes Sailors as US Citizens BOSTON (June 30, 2021) Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, a Coast Guardsman and an Army veteran salute the colors during a naturalization ceremony aboard USS Constitution. “The United States is and will forever be a nation of immigrants,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday during the ceremony. “Your stories- and the cultures, customs, and traditions you bring to America- exemplify that we have more to unite us than to divide us.” (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)

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SLIDESHOW | images | CNO Visits USS Constitution, Naturalizes Sailors as US Citizens BOSTON (June 30, 2021) Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, a Coast Guardsman and an Army veteran raise their right hands as they recite the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony aboard USS Constitution. “The United States is and will forever be a nation of immigrants,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday during the ceremony. “Your stories- and the cultures, customs, and traditions you bring to America- exemplify that we have more to unite us than to divide us.” (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Raymond D. Diaz III)

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SLIDESHOW | images | CNO Visits USS Constitution, Naturalizes Sailors as US Citizens BOSTON (June 30, 2021) Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, a Coast Guardsman and an Army veteran, and their guests, listen to remarks during a naturalization ceremony aboard USS Constitution. “The United States is and will forever be a nation of immigrants,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday during the ceremony. “Your stories- and the cultures, customs, and traditions you bring to America- exemplify that we have more to unite us than to divide us.” (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Raymond D. Diaz III)

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SLIDESHOW | images | CNO Visits USS Constitution, Naturalizes Sailors as US Citizens BOSTON (June 30, 2021) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday gives remarks during a naturalization ceremony aboard USS Constitution. “The United States is and will forever be a nation of immigrants,” said Gilday. “Your stories- and the cultures, customs, and traditions you bring to America- exemplify that we have more to unite us than to divide us.” (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)

Below are the remarks as delivered:

Good morning!  

I want to thank Commander Benda and the Sailors of Old Ironsides for hosting us aboard this storied ship as well as the honorable Rya Zobel and James Nealon for taking part in this incredible event. 

And I want to welcome Captain Tom Kelley a Sailor patriot and Medal of Honor recipient.

To our newest citizens congratulations! How fitting it is to celebrate your naturalization in Boston the birthplace of the American Revolution on the deck of USS Constitution a warship that sailed and fought to secure the Blessings of Freedom when our nation was in its infancy.

You hail from 10 different countries around the world from Ireland to Ghana from the Philippines to Jamaica and your journeys in life have intersected at this precise moment in time.  From this day forward. You will begin an American journey together.

All of you have ties to the military.  Four of you are currently serving in the Army  two are in the Navy  two are in the Air Force  one is in the Coast Guard  and one is an Army veteran.

Each of your stories is as unique as the countries cultures and loved ones you left behind. But the act of immigrating to your new home to your new nation is as old as America itself.

The United States is and will forever be a nation of immigrants. At the dawn of our Republic many boarded vessels like this very ship; endured a harrowing voyage across the Atlantic.

In many cases immigrants confronted the treacherous sea with only the things they carried on their backs. 

They battled famine and disease some were separated from their loved ones others paid the ultimate price.

What compelled them to take on this perilous journey? What drove them to leave all they held dear and sail towards unknown shores and uncertain destinies?

Hope…hope of a better life and hope for a better future for their families. Hope drove them to endure adversity and I believe hope is what drove you to this very moment now.

Immigration is ultimately a step of faith an act of hope. And this hope this faith in America is part of the lasting gift you bring to our country. 

You my fellow Americans fill our communities and our nation with hope and confidence. Your determination optimism and heritage invigorates our cities and towns our businesses and schools and indeed our armed forces. 

Immigrants serve as sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen, and Coast Guardsmen around the world and stand the watch for a nation that is not formally their own yet. 

One of our nation’s mottos is “‘E pluribus Unum’ out of many, one.” 

America is composed of people from all walks of life and from distant, foreign lands but we are a country united towards a common purpose.

The belief that all people are created equal –all of us-  that all people – all of us- deserve the protection of the law  and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We are not a people defined by a common language creed or race. We are a nation characterized by its diversity and the power that diversity fuels.

Your stories and the cultures, customs, and traditions you bring to America exemplifies that we have more that unites us than divides us.

It is precisely this element of a shared life tied to a mutual set of principles that makes America the shining “city on the hill” and why we continue to attract immigrants and shelter refugees from around the world.

America is also an importantly, our unfinished nation. For nearly two-and-a-half centuries we have labored to form a more perfect union to realize the values our Founders espoused.

And create a society where ALL people truly find equal opportunity and justice in our land. 

Because of this we are always – always - looking forward towards new beginnings to new horizons helping each other pursue their American dream with renewed hope. 

It's with this great hope for our beloved America that we welcome you with open arms as citizens of our country.

As you all know with citizenship comes very important responsibilities, as your honor has mentioned. 

I have faith you will work to make your communities inclusive and resilient share your time and talents with your neighbors participate in our electoral process raise your children with our values and if called upon defend the rights we cherish. 

Our nation is only as strong as its citizens so whether you hail from Portugal, Ghana, or Venezuela you are now charged with fulfilling the same civic duty as every other American.

Together we will dedicate ourselves to the common good with wisdom, competence, and self-discipline. 

Together we will commit ourselves to the highest principles of honor and justice towards our fellow countrymen.

And together we will seek to make a more perfect Union.

America is stronger today because you’re a part of it. This is now your nation your land and your home for generations to come.

I wish you all fair winds and following seas God bless you God bless your family and friends and God bless this country that we love.

Thank you.