The Flag Still Stands for Freedom.

Today was the day.  We loaded in the car bright and early and headed downtown.  We were on schedule to be there a few minutes early so we wouldn't feel rushed for the 9:15 ceremony.  We arrived with plenty of time to spare and got seated on the balcony.  The usher offered to let us go in the basement where we could watch via television and there would be more room for the kids to play.  We kindly declined and headed for the balcony.  Had I known the actual ceremony wouldn't start until 10 and would last a little over an hour, I might have taken the basement!  Duc would, of course, be down with all the other new citizens to be sworn in. It was all up to me to wrangle the three munchkins.  I thought one hour of sacrament meeting at church was hard.  I was not prepared at all for two hours of a ceremony which, to the kids, probably seemed a lot like a church meeting.  No snacks, no games or notebooks... just me, three kiddos and my camera.  But we made it!  

Despite how hard the actual wrangling was, the ceremony was beautiful.  I got teary eyed as the group of 170 were sworn in and when I saw our flag marched, with pride, across the stage by a local scout troop (South Jordan, actually).  Then there was the national anthem, the pledge of allegiance (which I haven't recited out loud since I was in school way back when) and God Bless the USA with a slideshow accompaniment... yeah.  Tears were shed as I proudly sang out the words "...and I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free!  And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me... cause there ain't no doubt I love this land... GOD BLESS THE USA!!"  I was singing solo up there in a crowd where many didn't speak fluent English... but that's ok.  I was (am) proud and I felt like I was going to burst if I didn't sing out in praise for my country!  Kahner asked me why I was singing too, to which I replied "Because I'm proud to be an American son."

 Most of the time were were looking at the back of his head, but they let them all turn around so the family could get some pictures ;D (thanks Judge!) the lighting was horrid and I am still trying to figure out all the bazillion settings on my camera so forgive the poor photographer skills!  But even with my poor skills, that's my handsome man!

I felt like it was really important for the kids to be there to witness such a big life event in the life of their Dad.  Even if they don't remember anything besides being bored out of their skulls!  I want to pass on my pride for our country, instilling in them while they are young just how lucky and blessed they are to live in this great land that so many people have found refuge in.  I am so proud of Duc for finally taking the big step and joining the rest of his family in citizenship of the worlds greatest country!!  What's that?  I've said that once or twice?  Forgive me, I can't say it enough!  ...I thank my lucky stars to be livin' here today cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away!