56 residents become US citizens

At a time when much of America is concerned about immigration, one Tulsa area school, Union Schools 6th and 7th Grade Center, opened its doors to hundreds of them Wednesday. <br><br>News on Six reporter

Wednesday, September 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

At a time when much of America is concerned about immigration, one Tulsa area school, Union Schools 6th and 7th Grade Center, opened its doors to hundreds of them Wednesday.

News on Six reporter Rick Wells takes us to the gym to welcome our newest citizens. Jeanie Marie Cortez came to the United States with her family from Jamaica 25 years ago she was five.

Wednesday was a day of celebration for Jeanie and 56 others who until Wednesday were citizens of 26 other counties. While most of the rest of America mourned the loss of life one year ago. For this group it was a celebration of new life in America. "After last year I think I just wanted to be more a part of America."

Although they'd been talking about citizenship the events of September 11th got the entire family moving on the road to citizenship. And in the last year her brother and both her parents have been naturalized. Father, Bert Myers: â€œA lot of people don't appreciate the blessings they have in the United States of America."

He and his wife watched with pride as three Federal judges administered the oath of allegiance and the second of their three children was sworn in as a citizen. â€œI do so solemnly swear so help me God." And the pledge of allegiance and the national anthem which she has heard all her life took on new meaning Wednesday. "Oh yeah, definitely, especially today. It feels good to finally be a citizen, I love it."

Bert Myers, "Congratulations, I'm proud of you."