New Citizens Committee

The Pennsylvania Society has long understood the need to provide an example for United States citizenship responsibilities to the community at large. At the foundation of that understanding lies the fact that the social contract that exists between the American people and its Government is a two way street. The PSSR web site is filled with examples of activities that celebrate our heritage and remind us of the price, which has been paid to ensure those values we embrace as a country and remain a part of our day-to-day lives. One very important reminder of this comes at the time citizens from other lands around the world turn from there homes and their heritage and are sworn as new citizens of the United States of America. The Pennsylvania Society plays a part in these swearing in ceremonies held in the Ceremonial Courtroom in the Federal Court Building in Philadelphia. While a very serious ceremony, the culmination of the citizenship process is a joyous event indeed. The Sons provide information about volunteer opportunities, a copy of the Pocket Constitution, voting responsibilities, how to treat the flag, as well as a general orientation on the historic areas in Philadelphia, and a short history of Valley Forge.

The significance of this moment itself is affirmed by the Oath of Allegiance. Read it slowly, putting yourself in the place of a brand new citizen, recognizing that this oath applies to us all!

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

(ALL RISE)

Those petitioning for citizenship please raise your right hand.

You hereby declare, on oath, that you absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty, of whom or which you have heretofore been subject or citizen.

That you will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic:

That you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same:

That you will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law:

That you will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law:

That you will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law:

And that you take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion:

So help you GOD. If so, say "I do" or "I affirm"