The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in which 24 petitioners became United States citizens. The Honorable Darrel J. Papillion, U.S. District Judge, presided over the January 28 ceremony. He welcomed and congratulated the petitioners and then invited everyone to stand for the playing of the National Anthem by the Marine Forces Reserve Band and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Judge Papillion then invited keynote speakers Mr. David Abboud Thomas and Dr. Najeeb M. Thomas to provide remarks. The two brothers spoke of their experiences as grandchildren of Lebanese immigrants. David reflected lovingly on his grandmother’s American pride, while Dr. Thomas admired his grandparents’ brave journey to the U.S. to escape hardships and give their family more opportunities. “The U.S. is a patchwork quilt, stitched together by immigrant hands,” Dr. Thomas said. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Goudeau then issued the statement of petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship and presented petitioners’ requests for name change. After granting the requests for name change, Judge Papillion invited the petitioners to announce their names and countries of origin before he administered the Oath of Allegiance. Petitioners were then given their certificates and took pictures with Judge Papillion and their families. 

To view photos from the ceremony, please select this link.