Dreams and Dreamers, they are the tenets that are the backbone of these great United States. Without either, our country would not have evolved into the beacon of hope, freedom, and opportunity that it is today. For in this country, dreamers are encouraged to dream and to make those dreams come true. Here we are unfettered in our pursuit of religious freedom, speech, right of assembly, and right to privacy in our homes and businesses. We do not worry about our doors being kicked down in the middle of the night; to be taken away, never to be seen again for some "crime" against the government.
The United States of ours since it's formation a mere 271 years ago has always been a beacon of hope for millions and millions who have no conception of these freedoms because of oppressive governments. They have no say in their countries laws, cannot vote, own land and woe to the soul who speaks out or tries to change their lot. This is the reason America is the Worlds largest "Melting Pot" of immigrants, and with them their cultures, ideas, hopes and dreams seeking a chance to better themselves and their children, who just want an opportunity to live and work in freedom and get that chance to "Dream" and have those dreams come true.
On this July 4, 2007 the holiday we celebrate our independence from Great Britain, Walt Disney World and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are hosting an "American Dream come True" swearing in Ceremony at the Magic Kingdom. Here in front of Cinderella's Castle on the Forecourt, 1000 immigrants from over 100 countries will realize the great dream of becoming an American Citizen. Here they will take the "Oath of Allegiance" to this great country and add to the "Melting Pot" that we are famous for.
What better backdrop than the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, were Dreams and Magic are commonplace and what better holiday than our "Independence Day" to hold this ceremony! With the flair and fanfare Walt Disney World is famous for, it really rolled out the "Magic" carpet for the occasion. Also on hand were several famous luminaries to welcome our newest citizens.
The day started out cloudy and grey, but that did not dampen any enthusiasm; the crowds of family and well-wishers abounded and the smiles from the sea of immigrants broke though the overcast. You could feel the excitement and I know I felt a sense of pride in my country knowing what hope it offered these people. Walt Disney World president Meg Crofton made the opening remarks, welcoming the immigrants as new citizens and wishing all well.
Following Meg's remarks, the sixth Air Mobility Wing Honor Guard did a presentation of the Colors from MacDill AFB in Tampa. On hand were Gloria and Emilio Estefan, themselves naturalized citizens. Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Gloria performed the National Anthem. The call of the Countries was followed by the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by Dr. Emilio T. Gonzalez, the director of the USCIS who is also a naturalized citizen. Mr. Gonzalez also noted special acknowledgment of the youngest citizen, Little Sofia Acosta only eleven months old from Guatemala. After the Oath, there were screams and cheers as these 1000 souls from all corners of the world now called America their new home, with a sea of American flags waving all around. The Keynote address was given by the Honorable Mel Martinez, United States Senator from Florida. He congratulated all the new citizens and of course, wished them well. He recalled his own tale of coming to the U.S. from Castro's Cuba with his parents to seek a better life. Mr. Martinez also reminded the crowd that now it is up to them to make their mark on the world.
The ceremony was marred only once during President Bush's congratulatory message when the skies opened up and it rained for about 10 minutes. However, Disney had even the rain covered as it supplied hundreds of plastic parkas for those who needed them. As a further treat, the American Adventures' own "Voices of Liberty" performed the song "Golden Dream" Immediately following the Voices of Liberty, Gloria and Emilio Estefan were presented with the "Outstanding Americans by Choice" Certificates and congratulated on their continued support to the City of Miami.
Moreover, for a fitting ending to the ceremony, Lee Greenwood sang "God Bless the USA" which always brings out the pride of citizenship in us all. Meg Crofton gave the closing remarks and final congratulations to the new citizens. A Parade in their honor marched down Main St. USA with all pomp and circumstance, added by the cheering of supporters and Magic Kingdom Guests. In addition, to cap it all off, a spectacular Fly-by overhead by a pair of United States Air force F-15 fighter jets, right down Main St. ended the day.
Disney and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services gave new meaning and honor to becoming a U.S Citizen with this grand ceremony. Anyone watching must realize that Citizenship is a precious gift and carries much responsibility to be a good citizen. I know that 1000 new additions to our country are aware of it, God bless America!
