America is unique because we’re united and defined not by nationality, race, or ethnicity. We’re defined and united by the ideas we believe in and the ideals we strive for—the rights and principles enshrined in our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.
Thank you, Kim, for that introduction. It’s an honor to be with you all on this very special day.
First, let me say congratulations to you all. You’re now officially American citizens, and I want to applaud you for the dedication you’ve shown to reach this achievement. I’ve enjoyed many honors in my role as a Cabinet Secretary, but being here for this ceremony, for this event that will change each of your lives, is truly one of the most meaningful.
As I look across the room, I can see some proud new Americans. It’s a wonderful sight, and I’m so proud of each of you.
Being with you this morning reminds me of the experience of my grandfather who, 100 years ago, made the journey from Amioun, Lebanon to the United States.
He was seeking freedom: freedom to work and prosper, and freedom to live his faith as an Orthodox Christian without persecution.
At the time, my grandfather was as an impoverished teenager who spoke no English. When he arrived at Ellis Island, the first representative of his new country he met was an individual in a military uniform. That person was a member of the United States Public Health Service, ready to give him what was known as the six-second physical.
It amazes me to think that, 100 years later after my grandfather arrived at Ellis Island, with no particular prospects other than the political, economic, and religious freedom America offers, his grandson would be in charge of the Public Health Service, an institution that has played an outsized role in the COVID-19 response, protecting lives in the United States and around the world.
I’m sure that most of you can relate to my grandfather’s ambitions in coming to the United States, and I’m pleased to say that our nation welcomes you with open arms and open hearts. Our American family has room for you and the personalities, skills, talents and dreams you bring.
This group here today represents a wide array of backgrounds and skills: everything from students and homemakers to IT software developers, healthcare technicians, and everything in between. I noticed there weren’t any lawyers in the mix—as a lawyer myself, and I think most Americans would agree, I don’t think that’s such a bad thing.
You are a diverse and talented group that will, no doubt, add to the uniqueness and greatness of our country. At the same time, even as a diverse group, you’re also united together as one: you’re United States citizens.
America is unique because we’re united and defined not by nationality, race, or ethnicity. We’re defined and united by the ideas we believe in and the ideals we strive for—the rights and principles enshrined in our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.
Starting today, you’re embarking on a new journey to help us preserve and strengthen those principles and ideals and make us a stronger, healthier, and freer country.
The oath of allegiance you took moments ago to support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America has given you important new rights, but with it also comes important new responsibilities. You now have a vested interest in our country’s future. So I ask that you take that responsibility seriously and be good stewards of the citizenship, and indeed, the opportunity, you’ve been granted.
Stewardship can take shape in numerous ways, ways that many of you have already embraced wholeheartedly, through working to help your communities prosper, participating in the life of your church, temple, synagogue, or mosque, or volunteering to help those in need.
As citizens, I hope you’ll consider the multitude of new opportunities available to you—opportunities like serving in the federal government, registering to vote, or even running for public office. There are so many ways to serve this great nation you now call your own.
Even though this past year has been challenging, and we’re still in the midst of a dangerous and deadly pandemic, being here with you today has helped renew my own hope in this country and the bright future that lies ahead of us—a future that will be made even brighter because of you, your talents, and your aspirations.
It has truly been an honor to join this ceremony, and it’s an even higher honor to call you fellow citizens.
Congratulations, once again, and thank you for inviting me to address you all today.
May God bless each of you in the years to come and may God bless the great country we share, the United States of America.
