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Most of us are unfamiliar with the process of becoming a United States citizen since we were born in the US. For people born outside the US, becoming a new US citizen may be one of the highlights of their lives! The naturalization ceremony is the culmination of the naturalization process. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) aims to make administrative naturalization ceremonies positive and memorable moments in the lives of the participants.

Beginning in late 2016, the Southerntiersmen Chorus was invited to participate in Broome County’s Naturalization Ceremonies (five per year). These events are truly our most anticipated and appreciated performances throughout the year! We sing the National Anthem at the beginning and God Bless America, with a long, ringing final chord, to complete the ceremony. Depending on the judge, we may be asked to sing additional songs to entertain the participants.

 

Beginning in late 2016, the Southerntiersmen Chorus was invited to participate in Broome County’s Naturalization Ceremonies (five per year). These events are truly our most anticipated and appreciated performances throughout the year! We sing the National Anthem at the beginning and God Bless America, with a long, ringing final chord, to complete the ceremony. Depending on the judge, we may be asked to sing additional songs to entertain the participants.

Our participation in the November 16, 2018 naturalization ceremony was especially meaningful. Broome County's historic omed courthouse was filled with flag-waving, picture-taking, patriotic tune-singing new citizens. 

Broome_County_Courthouse,_Court_Street,_
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 At the end of the ceremony, The Southerntiersmen Chorus received a citation from the Assembly of the State of New York for Outstanding Service in the Naturalization Ceremonies. Broome County Clerk Joseph A. Mihalko also presented us with a certificate of appreciation for our talents, patriotism, and dedication. Lastly, Binghamton Mayor Richard C. David proclaimed November 16, 2018 to be Southerntiersmen Day! We were humbled and honored to receive these three acknowledgements for our contributions.

 

As a bonus, as we were posing with Judge Faughnan at the end, he (the judge) began singing Lida Rose. He was surprised and pleased that we all jumped right in to sing with him.

The Southerntiersmen acknowledge and thank the following judges for the privilege of contributing to the Broome County Naturalization Ceremonies, past and future:

City Court Judge:

Hon. William C. Palella

 

County Court Judge:

Hon. Joseph F. Cawley

 

Supreme Court Justices:

Hon. Molly Reynolds Fitzgerald

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