315 become New Americans at SeaWorld on Independence Day
Sgt. David Velasquez waited nearly 13 years in his native Guatemala before touching the American soil that would become the cradle of his dreams and accomplishments.
After returning from his second overseas tour in Afghanistan four months ago, the 31-year-old Marine felt it was time to take the oath of allegiance to the country he's sacrificed life and limb for.
The medals on his dress uniform glittered in the sunlight as Velasquez stood in front of SeaWorld'sShamu Stadium and led the crowd of 315 of America's newest citizens in the pledge of allegiance to mark Independence day.
The naturalization ceremony is one of 350 taking place around the country and the world to initialize 24,000 citizen candidates. In Orlando, applicants from 60 countries walked into the stadium in a processional to the roar of their jubilant families and Aaron Copland's stirring composition: "Fanfare for the Common Man."
More than half of Orlando's group of new citizens immigrated from Latin America and Haiti. Colombia had the highest number of immigrants transferring their allegiance to Old Glory.
Remarks from U.S. Representative Daniel Webster and a video message from President Barack Obama echoed the reasons why Trinidadian immigrant Kern Cox came here.
"In America, no dream is impossible," the President said as Cox, a devoted fan, cheered and raised his American flag.
Cox came to the United States at age 12. Since then, he's gone to college, earned a master's degree, performed as a professional opera singer and started a career as a teacher at a Catholic school. He said he's thinking about joining the Marine Corps.
"America has opened doors for me. There are endless opportunities," said the 31-year-old, who also share his birthday with his adopted country . "You come to learn that you need to contribute and be involved."
Cox said earning the coveted right to vote was the impetus behind applying for citizenship.
"I teach my kids these things," he said. "It's about time I do it myself."
For many of the newly-naturalized citizens, enduring the arduous road to citizenship is as much about security as it is enjoying the benefits of American freedom.
Cuban immigrant Heriberto Jimenez said his family was pressured to leave their homeland because they rendered help to dissident journalists imprisoned by the island's Communist regime.
Jimenez and his wife were granted political asylum and have lived in the U.S. for five years.
"We can't go back and that hurts a lot," he said. "But if we are going to live here, we are going to be citizens. It's an honor."
The youngest candidate Monday, 18-year-old Maite Herrera, said she left Venezuela with her family 11 years ago as the security situation there deteriorated. Having spent most of her life in Orlando, the high school student said she already felt American and didn't think becoming a citizen was necessary.
"I wasn't excited at first but after going through the process I understand how important it is," said Herrera, who will start Valencia College in the fall. "I'm very grateful. I noticed that there are lots of people who wish they were in my position."