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Some people complain that newspapers don’t publish enough happy news, but this week we reported on an event that was absolutely joyous to 20 groups of family and friends.
Twenty individuals from 12 countries became new United States citizens during the annual Naturalization Ceremony in Elkins.
The new citizens hailed from Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
This is an annual event that we at The Inter-Mountain love to cover, because of the big smiles and tears of joy that the new citizens -- and their families and friends -- display during the ceremony, and the pride that they clearly have to be joining our American democracy.
With so much unrest and uncertainty in our country these days -- we’re involved in a war in Iran, political factions are battling in preparation for the General Election in November, and our economy is showing signs of a downturn -- it is a real eye-opener to see the love these new citizens have for America and our way of life, our way of government.
During the ceremony, U.S. Chief District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh told the new citizens that "America is not just a country, it's an idea. It is the greatest idea that mankind has ever had.
"You're now part of the greatest idea that mankind has ever had, and you are now part of the giant laboratory of democracy that our founders gave to us. We welcome you to it. We hope you help us improve it and foster it for generations to come. Welcome home, my fellow Americans. We are so happy to have you here with us today."
In a prerecorded video, President Donald Trump welcomed the new citizens, saying, "It's with great pride and wisdom, in so many different ways because you have such great wisdom, that I welcome you into our national family.
"No matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes... to ever walk the face of the earth," Trump said. "All of the triumphs and glories of American history now belong to you."
We are proud of the 20 individuals for the hard work and determination they have shown in completing the citizenship process, and are grateful to them for the fresh perspective they give us in viewing our great country.