There are few things more American than Mount Rushmore National Memorial. That’s why a number of newly naturalized American citizens choose the monument as a backdrop as they take the Oath of Allegiance to their new home.
Last week, 184 new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance during a ceremony attended by more than 700 people. There was a great story about the ceremony in the Rapid City Journal. The new citizens were from 49 countries. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Viken presided over the ceremony.
Tourists who happened to be visiting the Shrine of Democracy got a bonus. As “God Bless America” played on the sound system, new citizens crossed the stage. Perhaps they, too, left with a deeper understanding of what it means to be an American.