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Joel Alonzo, 15 minutes after becoming a United States citizen, said he knows the opportunities his new country holds for him and what he has to offer America.

"This is my best day," the paralegal and aspiring lawyer said. "I have the chance to make a contribution to this country."

Alonzo, 43, a native of the Dominican Republic, was among about 195 immigrants who became United States citizens Saturday during a naturalization ceremony at Strawbery Banke.

The waving of American flags and tears of joy marked an event that saw families from all over the world coming together to celebrate their first Fourth of July holiday.

It wasn't lost on Gov. John Lynch that holding the ceremony on Independence Day reflected an American story of individuals continuing to embrace life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

"Your desire and pursuit of citizenship reminds us of what it is to be Americans. What you do is now up to you ... that's the beauty of America," he said.

He was among the guests who paid homage to the individuals who spent years working with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services to finally earn their new status.

The governor urged Saturday's assembly to enjoy the freedoms bestowed on them, but also stressed that responsibilities come with it.

He urged the newly sworn Americans to give back to their communities through volunteering and take part in voting, which he called more of a duty than a right.

"Make the most of it, because your America is whatever you want it to be. You will help us keep the nation strong," Lynch said.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Boston District Office Director Denis Riordan ? the son of immigrant parents himself ? appeared to get teary-eyed when he talked about a country whose ideals haven't changed as it has welcomed individuals looking for opportunity.

"In this country there are no limits," Riordan said.

The ceremony saw him and others honoring Joseph Francis ? a particularly unique applicant who received a Bronze Star and several other medals for heroism while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Vietnam War.

Francis ? of Native American heritage ? is Canadian, but served the United States and was injured when a grenade exploded near him in August of 1968. He was also shot in the back, but asked to return to his unit despite being offered the chance to go home after a stay in a Guam military hospital.

Francis led the group in their first pledge of allegiance.

Riordan said Francis has earned his rights as an American.

"We owe that to you," Riordan said.

Those becoming citizens on Saturday hailed from 49 countries, ranging from Armenia and Chile to Tanzania and Iran. A number of them came from India and the Dominican Republic.

Alonzo said he has lived in the United States for 15 years and worked hard to earn his new status.

The Lawrence, Mass., resident said he works as a paralegal and plans to attend law school.

Preeta Sharma, 33, was born in India. She said she came to the United States for the jobs and the lifestyle it affords her family. She was all smiles Saturday as she sat with others and awaited the taking of their oath.

"It's really exciting. Nothing could be better than this day," Sharma said.

She works for a health insurance provider and has spent more than seven years in the country.

"Last election we wanted to vote so much for Obama," Sharma said.

Ravi Kulbushan, 35, another native of India, echoed her sentiment.

"You feel like part of the country and you want to contribute more," he said.

Kulbushan ? a senior software engineer ? said America affords individuals unlimited opportunity that isn't an option in other countries.

"You can do whatever you want to do," he said.

Lawrence Yerdon, president of the Strawbery Banke Museum, said it was appropriate the ceremony took place at a Portsmouth landmark, a location with a long history of serving as the home of immigrants searching for a new life in the United States.

Source: Fosters.com

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