Homestead NHP holds Flag Day naturalization ceremony

BEATRICE, Neb. - In honor of Flag Day, the Homestead National Historic Park held a naturalization ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

Twenty-six individuals from, fourteen countries were granted US citizenship. Bernadette Korslund, a French immigrant, who spent time as a teacher at Beatrice High School, served as the guest speaker. She tied in the importance of Flag Day, in her remarks. 

"Congratulations to all of you. You are now another shining star in this country," Korslund said, while holding a miniature American flag. "This is what America is all about. We are the many individual stars making this flag and this nation."

The day began with a presentation of colors by the Beatrice American Legion, before a number of American medleys were performed. Representatives from senator's Pete Ricketts, Deb Fischer, and Adrian Smith all provided remarks. 

U.S. District Judge Robert Rossiter Jr. conducted the Oath of Allegiance. Rossiter welcomed all 26 U.S. citizens during his remarks. 

"I am honored and delighted to welcome each and every one of you as United States citizens," Rossiter said. "I look forward to each of the contributions each of you bring today, and in the future, to our country, the United States of America."