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This past Friday, the Ohio Valley bid welcome to some of its newest American citizens. Thirty-six people from 23 different home countries around the globe took the Oath of Allegiance in United States District Court in Wheeling.
The pathway to citizenship is neither short nor simple. It is an involved process. Those who complete it show their dedication to becoming a part of the nation's fabric.
Many of these folks have already lived here for a while, contributing to the betterment of their communities. Former U.S. Congressman David McKinley, who spoke at the naturalization ceremony, asked them to add to those contributions by being good neighbors, regardless of their political leanings.
"I'm asking you to take part in writing the next chapter of our American history," McKinley said. "Help us break down the barriers between our ideologies and encourage genuine, official political discourse. Together we can demonstrate that America is truly an exceptional nation where we can have our differences but still respect one another."
These new citizens can look at American society with fresh eyes. They can be leaders from the start, heeding McKinley's words by setting positive examples in discourse, caring and cooperation, perhaps teaching longtime U.S. citizens a thing or two in the process.
So congratulations to those 36 new American citizens. We're so happy to have you as a part of our country and our community. Let's all work together to make both a little better each day.