From Fairfax County Supervisor (and 10th CD Democratic Congressional nominee) John Foust:
(McLEAN, VA. May 23, 2014) – Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust led a group of 100 new American citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance today, while participating in the 6th Naturalization Ceremony of the Fairfax County Asian American History Project at Fairfax County’s Government Center. The inspiring group was comprised of a wide range of people from across the world including those of Asian American heritage.
During his remarks to the group, Supervisor Foust touted America’s exceptionalism and the awe-inspiring sacrifices these 100 new citizens made to be a part of our country. “As Americans, we are fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world, with the greatest freedoms,” Supervisor Foust said to the group. “You come from many different cultures. You come from many different backgrounds and you bring many different priorities, skills, assets, ways of thinking, and ways of problem solving. That diversity makes us a better community.”
Supervisor Foust congratulated the group before leading everyone in a very moving Pledge of Allegiance.
Also in attendance were business and community leaders from Fairfax’s thriving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community as well as Congressman Gerry Connolly, Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Bulova, Supervisor John Cook, and Supervisor Pat Herrity.
Supervisor John Foust delivers remarks to new American citizens at
May 23 ceremony held at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Supervisor’s Foust’s remarks:
“This is an incredibly beautiful ceremony and I feel very fortunate to be here today to share this very special moment with you.
As Americans, we are fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world, with the greatest freedoms.
I think it is especially appropriate that we are here at the start of Memorial Day weekend. As you know, Memorial Day is the day we remember and honor those, who by giving their lives, have paid the ultimate price to preserve the great freedoms enjoyed by Americans.
When I look at you, I realize how fortunate we all are to be Americans. You help me appreciate that their sacrifices were not in vain.
As of today, you are citizens of our great nation. You worked hard for your citizenship and you made many sacrifices to achieve it. But you accomplished your goal, and you should be very proud of yourselves, just as we are all very proud of you.
You are now American citizens. You are a very diverse group and you are joining a community of citizens that is very proud of our diversity. In Fairfax County, we say it often- our diversity is our strength.
Collectively, you have already made many contributions to our community and I know you will make many more.
You come from many different cultures. You come from many different backgrounds and you bring many different priorities, skills, assets, ways of thinking, and ways of problem solving. That diversity makes us a better community.
While you are all different, you also have much in common. Most obviously, as of today, you are all American citizens. And the difficult path you had to follow to achieve citizenship demonstrates that all of you also have a love for our country, you are optimistic, you persevere through great challenges and obstacles, and you have a great work ethic. These are the traits that will make you great citizens. So one last time before we conclude the ceremony, let me congratulate you and tell you how proud we are to call you our fellow Americans. Good luck. I know you will do great things with your citizenship.”
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