Happy 4th of July 2014!

Land of the free . . . Home of the brave . . . In a day marked by BBQs, fireworks and John Philip Sousa tunes, 431 people from 70 nations were honored today as new citizens of the United States in Seattle.  The oldest candidate to be sworn in at Seattle Center’s 30th Annual Naturalization Ceremony was Korean-born Mr. Kyung Ku Lee, age 80.

For all the years I’ve lived in Seattle, this was the first time I have attended the event. Now I’m wondering what took me so long. What better way to spend Independence Day than welcoming our country’s newest citizens? The celebration included festive music by the Greenwood Concert Band and performances from native Americans and the Total Experience Gospel Choir, reminding me of our country’s strength in diversity.

As I listened to the speeches from local dignitaries, my mind wandered, wondering about the individual journeys that each of the 431 individuals had taken to U.S. citizenship. Not to mention the Naturalization Test that each had to pass to get here.

Did you know that there are 100 civics (history and government) questions for the Naturalization Test? And that to pass the civics test, an applicant has to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly in an oral test conducted by a USCIS Officer? The USCIS Officer can ask up to 10 questions, but of course applicants have to know the answers to all 100 questions. Here are a few examples. Let’s see how you do (and no fair scrolling down for the answers):

1) How many amendments does the Constitution have?

2) How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

3) Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

4) What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

5) The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. Okay, here’s an easy  one:

6) When do we celebrate Independence Day?

Happy 4th of July, wanderboomers! Oops – hope I didn’t give anything anyway . . .

Now for the (rest of) the answers:

1) 27

2) 9

3) John Roberts

4) give up loyalty to other countries, defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, obey the laws of the United States, serve in the U.S. military (if needed), serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed), be loyal to the United States

5) (James) Madison, (Alexander) Hamilton, (John) Jay, Publius

6) Today, of course!

Be Bold and Wander On!

Nancy

How do you celebrate Independence Day, wanderboomers?