The Humanities Truck donated buttons designed and made by Graduate Fellow Daiki Tsumagari, which were presented to the newly sworn in naturalized citizens, the court, family, friends, and guests attending the swearing-in ceremony.
On the second Tuesday of each month, the DC Chapter of the League of Women Voters ( LWV), volunteers to register the newly sworn in naturalized citizens. The President of the League gives remarks along with other invited organizations and guest speakers.
February 14th, 2024 was The League of Women Voters 104th Anniversary. The day before, February 13th, The League celebrated the anniversary by participating as volunteers for the naturalization ceremony at the United States Court of Appeals in Washington, DC. The celebration commenced with a reception after the swearing in ceremony, in addition to registering 89 new and first-time voters out of the 125 people sworn in. Barbara Zia, the Chapter President, also gave remarks on the League’s history.
There was an air of excitement and connection with this particular ceremony. Most attended the reception with catered wrap sandwiches; and LWV members provided potluck dishes of
cookies, cake, fruit, peppermint patties, and a special gift. Everyone seemingly wanted a button and received one, even the judge overseeing and administering the oath. There was a recognition and appreciation of the rights of citizenship and the civic responsibility and right to vote in the United States. 100 countries were represented and 89 new first time voters were
registered.
This is one of the most heartwarming, joyful, and fulfilling ceremonies to volunteer and participate in in the United States. There was a feeling of togetherness for this 104th Anniversary of the League which still regularly volunteers to register new voters and pushes for statehood for the residents of our nations capital, Washington, DC.
The lesson learned for me: what is of value is what is held most dear and etched happily in our memories. Buttons are precious, especially when symbolic meaningfulness is attached. Each person granted citizenship has a story to tell and a reason for wanting to be here that reaches back to Ellis Island and the beginnings of the USA. We all have an immigrant history and a message: “Welcome to America.”
