[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1337-E1338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 JULY 4, 2008, NATURALIZATION CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity 
that I take this time to congratulate the individuals who will take 
their oath of citizenship on July 4, 2008. In true patriotic fashion, 
on the day of our great Nation's celebration of independence, a 
naturalization ceremony will take place, welcoming new citizens of the 
United States of America. This memorable occasion, coordinated by the 
Hammond Public Library and presided over by Magistrate Judge Paul R. 
Cherry, will be held at Harrison Park in Hammond, Indiana.
  America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, 
settlers have come from countries around the globe to the United States 
in search of better lives for their families. The upcoming oath 
ceremony will be a shining example of what is so great about the United 
States of America, that people from all over the world can come 
together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These 
individuals realize the great things America has to offer. They realize 
that nowhere else in the world is the opportunity for success and a 
better life available to them than here in America.
  On July 4, 2008, the following people will take their oath of 
citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Mindi Thi Bul, Lidia Quinonez, Claudia 
Rodriguez, Maria de la Luz Godinez, Venkat Santhosh Reddy Poddutur, 
Juanita Martinez, Chu-Mei Peng, Pantelis George Baramantas, Teresa 
Fernandez, Jose Cruz Alvarez Martinez, Iris Xiomara Sierra, Nada 
Jerkovic, Juan Tellez Rangel, Sarp Kocak, Juana Ramirez de Pantoja, 
Aurelio Jimenez, Michal Armatys, Rosy Oliva Arreaga, Stevanda 
Vukicevic, Tanuja Reddy Poddutur, Genoveva Atilano, Lelis Estella 
Lizama, Arel Cherry, Dejan Lukich, Silvia Vazquez, Monica Leticia 
Dominguez, Rodolfo Macias, Snezana Krkobabic, Mario Gonzalez Salgado, 
Victor Manuel Garcia Garcia, Maria Carmen Avina, Cristina Varzoaba, 
Filiberto Corona, Ma Melorie Villagracia Rodriguez, Hilda Gonzalez, 
Gregorio Martinez Sanchez, Maria de Jesus Alvarez, Orlando Jiminez 
Serna, Diana Lewis, Jose Antonio Saldana, Ivanja Corak, Farida

[[Page E1338]]

Begum, Elva Miriam Reyna, Fidelina Rodriguez, Beatriz Anaya Vargas, 
Efren Carranza, Arturo Cantero Paredes, Carlos Nicolas Perez Aranda, 
Maria Stoneburner, and Alma Della Rangel.
  Though each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United 
States for his or her own reasons, be it for educational or 
occupational opportunities or for the opportunity to offer their 
families a better life, each is inspired by the fact that the United 
States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . 
. of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that 
the United States is truly a free nation, and by seeking American 
citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a 
place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Bill of 
Rights, they can practice whatever religion they choose to practice, 
speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful 
protest should they choose to do so.
  On July 4, 2008, we will welcome these newly naturalized citizens to 
enjoy the same freedoms and liberties that all Americans take pride in 
and cherish. They, too, will be American citizens, and they, too, will 
be guaranteed the inalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit 
of Happiness. These individuals, representing many nations throughout 
the world, will be called upon to declare their allegiance to the 
United States of America.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to 
join me in congratulating these individuals, who will become citizens 
of the United States of America on July 4, 2008, the day of our 
Nation's independence. We, as a free and democratic nation, 
congratulate them and welcome them.

                          ____________________