SAR provides Color Guard for Naturalization Ceremony

On May 12, 2023, compatriots from Colonel James Wood II Chapter, Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Naturalization Ceremony held at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill National Memorial. The event honored 30 applicants as they took the Oath of Citizenship and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A choir from the Brookneal Elementary School provided patriotic songs to open the ceremony with a welcome provided by Hope Marstin of the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation.

SAR participants, from left to right: Dale Corey, Doug Schwetke, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Charles Driscoll, Mark Sink, Bill Schwetke, Allan Phillips, Mark Day and Gary Hall. (Photos courtesy of Debra Ferrell)

Patrick Henry Jolly, the fifth great grandson of Patrick Henry provided “Comments on Immigration, October 1783” prior to the United States Marshal opening the court that was presided by the Honorable Norman K. Moon, Senior United States District Judge. Next came the presentation of the colors by the Virginia State Color Guard, commanded by Dale Corey. The applicants were presented with administration of the oath and presentation of certificate of citizenship by Judge Moon. The following is the Oath of Citizenship:

“I hereby declare, an oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

After the completion of the oath ceremony, the Honorable Jason Miyares, Attorney General, Commonwealth of Virginia gave a presentation and welcomed the new citizens. This was followed with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem prior to the retirement of the colors.

The Honor Guard at attention, from left to right: Bill Schwetke, Mark Day, Allan Phillips, Doug Schwetke and Gary Hall.

SAR participants included Virginia Society President, Ernie Coggins, George Washington Chapter; Dale Corey, Thomas “Chip” Daniel and Allan Phillips, Col James Wood II; Bill Schwetke and Doug Schwetke, Culpeper Minutemen; Mark Day and Charles Driscoll, Patrick Henry; Gary Hall, Dan River and Mark Sink, Sgt Maj John Champe.