Summertime extraordinaire
 
 
 
 
It was indeed an extraordinary summertime growing experience as I accepted an invitation to attend a “Patriotic Party” last night at the Crystal Cathedral to celebrate a person’s having been sworn in the day before as a United States Citizen.  I had never been to a celebration of a person’s United States Citizenship.  In fact, I had never heard of a celebration of citizenship  —  And I am so glad I went. I believe there should be more such celebrations.
 
The evening began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag — then the reading of the Pledge for Citizenship signed by the honored guest.  We were told that there were 6300 persons sworn in with him at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and that there were two other ceremonies on the same day, each with 6000 more being sworn in.  
 
A congratulatory letter from President George W. Bush was read, and a dancer entertained us with an inspiring interpretive dance to the song, God Bless America.
 
Quotations, of Presidents and other important men of the past, were read which emphasized their belief in the importance of God’s recognition in the affairs of government.  We were given the test that the emigrant had to pass in order to become a citizen.  Perhaps most of us passed it, but none of us made the 100% that our honored guest had made. We collectively were able to name all of our United States Presidents.
 
Guests were invited to come to the front and share words of why they are proud to be an American Citizen.  Emotions rose high (at least for me) as one after another gave their reasons for pride in being an American Citizen — whether born a citizen or having worked to gain citizenship.
 
The evening closed with a Sing-a-long of Patriotic Songs and the serving of the All American Apple Pie and Ice Cream.
 
Thank you. Thank you Pastor James Richards, a Crystal Cathedral Pastor, for this most beautiful summer evening of inspiration; — and welcome to Citizenship in The United States of America, the Land of the Free and the Brave. This was indeed a ‘Summertime growth experience’.  
 
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An Unexpected Summertime Experience
Sunday, July 13, 2008