|
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services CIS NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Office of Public Affairs
September 17, 2003
Phone: 202-514-2648
www.immigration.gov
Tom Ridge and Eduardo Aguirre Visit Recent War Hero
at Walter Reed
Administer Oath of Allegiance to Injured Soldier
 Washington,
DC – Wednesday, September 17, 2003, Tom Ridge,
the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), Anthony J. Principi, the Secretary of the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Eduardo Aguirre, the Director
of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS),
met with several injured soldiers from Operation Iraqi
Freedom at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Mr. Aguirre
administered the Oath of Allegiance to U.S. Army Specialist
Hilario Bermanis before dozens of family, friends, and
diplomats from his native home of Micronesia. Secretary
Ridge stated, “It’s an honor for us all to
recognize your service and your citizenship.”
Director Aguirre and Secretaries Ridge and Principi
visited with several servicemen and their families,
thanking them for their exemplary service and dedication
to the United States. Specialist Brandon Erickson, Sergeant
Michael Kane, and Sergeant Matt Dewitt are a part of
the newest group of veterans to arrive home from the
war in Iraq.
In the spirit of Citizenship Day, this naturalization
ceremony was just one of many that occurred on September
17. The U.S. welcomed approximately 13,000 Americans
in 50 naturalization ceremonies nationwide, where foreign-born
individuals took the Oath of Allegiance. Spec. Bermanis
was conferred with the status of a U.S. citizen, and
complimented his military career by gaining the American
rights and liberties that he defended abroad. Returning
home a triple amputee, Bermanis lost both legs and his
left arm during a rocket-propelled grenade attack in
Baghdad. Bermanis was recently awarded the Purple Heart
and Bronze Star.
In an Executive Order signed by President Bush in July
2002, legal permanent residents who have been actively
serving in the United States military during times of
hostilities became immediately eligible to apply for
naturalization. Since the enactment of Executive Order
13269 more than 7,500 military personnel serving in
the War on Terrorism have requested expedited citizenship.
Specialist Hilario Bermanis is originally from Micronesia,
a U.S. protectorate in the Pacific Ocean. Pictured above,
Bermanis receives his Certificate of Naturalization
from Director Aguirre.
|
