Living History Farms held a naturalization ceremony for 41 individuals, officially welcoming the group from more than a dozen countries to the U.S.
At Flynn Barn, under twinkling string lights, Chief Magistrate Judge Stephen Jackson Jr. led the brief ceremony, in which individuals raised their right hands and took the oath of allegiance.
“For some of you, it probably felt like this day would never come. But you studied hard, worked hard, and you sacrificed,” Jackson said Friday, Oct. 10, addressing the group surrounded by close friends and family. “And you have now just taken the sacred oath.”
“Many may have already felt like Americans in their hearts and minds before today, but just now having raised your hand and taken this oath, you are now Americans in every sense of the word,” he continued. “For that, I cannot be prouder to be the first to greet you as my fellow Americans.”
Gov. Kim Reynolds acknowledged the difficult journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.
“You’ve embraced the ideals of freedom, opportunity and responsibility that define this nation, and in doing so you’ve strengthened the very fabric of our democracy,” Reynolds said, addressing the new citizens. “What you’ve gained is so much more than a certificate or passport.
“You’ve gained a voice, the right to vote and to be heard.”
That resonated with Katyusha Odzakovic, whose family sought refuge in the states more than 20 years ago from the Bosnian War. Odzakovic, 28, said her parents became U.S. citizens after she turned 18 years old and she was unable to become a citizen through them. She had to pursue the path alone.
Now, Odzakovic said she can’t wait to participate as a citizen. She is excited to be a registered voter and experience jury duty.
“It’s just nice,” she said. “It’s nice to finally get past it.”
Russel Karim, 33, grew emotional as he reflected on his journey from Bangladesh to the states. He came in 2011 to study at the University of Northern Iowa, where he graduated with a degree in computer science and entrepreneurship.
“When I graduated high school, I had opportunities to go to many countries around the world, and I chose the U.S. for better opportunities for me, for my family,” said Karim, standing by the barn’s entrance, his eyes tearing, his voice breaking. “I thought this is the land where I wanted to build — and do more for this country as well.”
Karim built his tech startup SourceEazy, which helps industries streamline product sourcing and distribution, in Des Moines. With citizenship, his family’s roots in Iowa grow even deeper, he said.
“We’re creating our life here in Iowa,” he said, pausing. “For that to happen, it took a while to get here.”
Yeimi Alonzo felt similarly. Minutes before the ceremony began, the 26-year-old said she was nervous, overwhelmed and happy.
“It took forever to get here,” she said, holding a small American flag in her hand.
“With everything that’s going on right now, it means a lot,” she said. “Since my daughter’s a citizen, I want to be able to be here for her no matter what. It’s very, very important to me.”
F. Amanda Tugade covers community and faith for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on X @writefelissa.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 41 people become US citizens during naturalization ceremony in Urbandale
Reporting by F. Amanda Tugade, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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