Becoming an American Citizen

Becoming an American Citizen

Every year thousands of people attend naturalization ceremonies and legally become citizens of the United States of America. For many years the Fourth of July has been a popular time to hold these ceremonies and this year was no different. One news report I heard stated that 7,800 new citizens would be naturalized in 100 scheduled ceremonies this year. Many of these ceremonies took place in historic sites such as The White House, Mt. Vernon, Monticello, and even in my town of Williamsburg, VA, as well as many other locations throughout the country.

While the laws and procedures governing the process of becoming a United States citizen have changed and been amended over the years, the first naturalization law was passed by Congress in 1790.  At that time it was a two-step process that took a minimum of 5 years. An alien, after residing in the United States for two years could file a "declaration of intent" to become a citizen. Then, after three additional years, they could "petition for naturalization." When the petition was granted, a certificate of citizenship would be issued to the alien.

There were also several exceptions to the “two-step, 5-year rule”. 

From 1790 to 1922, wives and minor children of naturalized men automatically became citizens. An alien woman who married a U.S. citizen could automatically become a citizen and American woman who married an alien would lose her U.S. citizenship.

Another exception was that, from 1824 to 1906, minor aliens who had lived in the United States 5 years before their 23rd birthday were then allowed to file both their declarations and petitions concurrently.

A final exception was the special consideration given to veterans. Quite a few laws were passed between 1862 and 1952 which gradually increased preferential treatment provisions for non-citizen veterans thereby expediting their citizenship.

Citizens of other nations have served in our military since the Revolutionary War. Almost 29,000 currently are in uniform. According to government statistics 660,000 military veterans became American citizens between the years of 1862 and 2000. Nearly 90,000 members of the military have been naturalized since September 2002, many of them while stationed overseas.

Our family looks forward to the day when our Serbian daughter-in-law becomes an American citizen.

Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Note: In certain circumstances there can be a modification or waiver of the Oath of Allegiance.

Muster Day, Training Day — Huzzah!

To Arms!

Between 1620 and 1790 Muster Days served as a significant social event for colonists. With holidays few, especially in New England, these days would present an opportunity for men to take a day off from work. Several times per year (April, May, September, & October), men ages 16 to 60 would assemble on the town green for roll call, to show their guns for inspection, and participate in military training drills. The frequency of the training days varied among the colonies and also according to circumstances of impending threat The selectmen of the town would take account of stock in powder and ball to see if the town was ready to defend its people and its property. Each town company had its Captain, Lietuenants, and Corporals elected by their peers; each Battalion had a Major; and each Regiment, a Colonel. Some of the men were selected from among the general ranks to be ready for rapid deployment - called Minutemen. During times of peace the drills would be completed in the morning with the afternoon reserved for friendly competition. This was usually a rowdy affair with much drinking.

In my new release, Colonial Courtships, there was great enthusiasm for an annual event - the Fall Muster. This is when militia men of all the townships in the county would gather at the county seat for the large gathering of all. This annual muster accomplished actual enrollment of members. If a muster was missed, a fine of $1 was required to be paid by the absent party. Akin to a town fair, the annual muster welcomed the entire community, and then men would be better behaved while their families where watching.  

The exercises would begin about 8:00 a.m. and continue until about 12:00 p.m. when the noon meal would be served by the women. "Training Day Cake", also called "Muster Day Gingerbread", was served, with plenty of rum available for 3 cents per glass. Militia commanders often attempted to win their men's cooperation by providing them with the alcohol. In the afternoon companies paraded before the many spectators, and there was a great deal of rivalry between the companies as to who could march, shoot and make the best appearance. Contests such as drills and maneuvers, wrestling matches, and more between the champions of each company were common activities. Older men, women, and children would urge their favorites on. The Muster Field was filled with eating booths, tent shows, and auction carts with peddlers crying their wares.The day would end about sunset with a fine salute of guns into the air.

Under the militia act of 1792, in effect for more than a century, every able-bodied citizen between the ages of eighteen and forty-five was a member of the militia. Patriotic enthusiasm from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 carried over into musters, although by around 1830 many resented the required participation. By 1855 Muster Days were no long necessary.

For more information on Muster Day you might like to read Everday Life in Early America by David F. Hawke.

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO OF A
NEW ENGLAND COLONIAL MUSTER DAY REENACTMENT


Look for a recipe for Muster Day Gingerbread from Colonial Courtships on Sunday.

America's Standing Armies by Susan F. Craft

American Continental Army

American colonists considered themselves free-born Englishmen and did not want to accept less. They acknowledged the king’s authority, but a limited authority based on their individual colony charters, and they denied Parliament’s authority to regulate their internal affairs.
From the 1700s to early 1800s the colonies were self-governing republics. Things changed in 1763 after the French and Indian War, which brought large British armies to the colonies. Also, the British government decided that the colonies should share in the enormous cost of that war.

The Americans hated and feared standing armies, and part of the reasons for the Revolutionary War lay in the fact that King George III quartered his redcoats in private homes, suspended charters and laws, and imposed martial law.

George Washington favored a
standing army.

George Washington, who had to deal with thirteen colonial militias and the Continental Army defended the idea of a standing army. In September 1776 he wrote to the Continental Congress: “To place any dependence upon Militia, is, assuredly, resting upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender Scenes of domestick life; unaccustomed to the din of Arms; totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill, which being followed by a want of confidence in themselves, when opposed to Troops regularly train'd, disciplined, and appointed, superior in knowledge and superior in Arms, makes them timid, and ready to fly from their own shadows....  The Jealousies of a standing Army, and the Evils to be apprehended from one, are remote; and, in my judgment, situated and circumstanced as we are, not at all to be dreaded; but the consequence of wanting one, according to my Ideas, formed from the present view of things, is certain, and inevitable Ruin; for if I was called upon to declare upon Oath, whether the Militia have been most serviceable or hurtful upon the whole; I should subscribe to the latter.” 

When the War for Independence ended, the government of the Confederation was faced with one gigantic problem—money—for foreign and domestic debts and for the back pay and pensions of soldiers.

Brigadier General Francis Marion,
SC militia

Although individual states preferred a militia, it was generally agreed that Congress must have the authority to raise and support standing armies to protect frontier settlements, the national government, and the nation when threatened by foreign powers. Even so, some Federal Convention representatives wanted to limit the size of the national standing army, but a vote rejected that motion.
Despite spirited debate and universal distrust of standing armies, most members of the Federal Convention wanted to strengthen the military powers of the general government and did so through Article I, Section 8:
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress.
Our present military organizational structure is a result of the National Security Act of 1947 that restructured the "War Department" into the "Department of Defense."
There are five military branches: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

The Army is the oldest U.S. Military service, officially established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775.  The Air Force is the youngest military service, created in 1947 under the National Security Act of 1947. Prior to 1947, the Air Force was a separate Corps of the Army. The Navy was officially established by the Continental Congress in 1775 with the primary mission to maintain the freedom of the seas.  The Marines were officially established November 10, 1775, by the Continental Congress to act as a landing force for the US Navy. In 1798, however, Congress established the Marine Corps as a separate service. The US Coast Guard was originally established as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. In 1915, it was reformed as the US Coast Guard, under the Treasury Department. In 1967, the Coast Guard was transferred to the Department of Transportation.
Quotes from President Ronald Reagan who held a special place in his heart for the military:
“The willingness of some to give their lives so that others might live never fails to evoke in us a sense of wonder and mystery.”
“If we really care about peace, we must stay strong. If we really care about peace, we must, through our strength, demonstrate our unwillingness to accept an ending of the peace. We must be strong enough to create peace where it does not exist and strong enough to protect it where it does. That’s the lesson of this century…”
“Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they've suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us. That is our duty. They have never let America down. We will not let them down.”

PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

Since the founding of our nation, Americans have been called to pray for our country, its leaders, and those who serve in the military. During wartime, attacks, and natural disasters, that motivation intensifies dramatically. Even though we are a pluralistic country, we still observe a National Day of Prayer early each May. Many churches and para-church ministries call for fasting and prayer on various occasions.

Those who serve in our military, as well as contractors who provide support, often spend long periods of time away from their families, even when they are not directly involved in a theatre of war. Too often their service, and the sacrifice of their loved ones, has not been acknowledged.

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,

And I have been saved from my enemies.”

Psalm 18:2-3

That maxim, “Those who wait also serve” has long been associated with photographs, paintings, and sculptures of military wives and families waiting for the return of their loved ones serving far from home. Growing up in a Navy family I was familiar with the expression, but I was more fortunate than most because we accompanied my father to his duty stations. It became much more meaningful to me during the sixties, when I learned first hand the loneliness and anxiety that war and military service demanded of loved ones. In more recent years I’ve again experienced the waiting, wondering, and praying for my sons, their wives and children until they return.

There are many worthy organizations that provide encouragement and assistance, and we can join in their efforts to help. However there is one thing all of us can do that is of great value and that is to pray ― for those who serve and for those who wait. We can pray for God’s protection, provision, presence, power, and peace.  We can pray for their wisdom, discernment, endurance, and courage.  We should also pray for the challenges they face upon their return professionally and personally.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:

 that if we ask anything according to his will,

he hears us. And if we know that he hears us― whatever we ask―

we know that we have what we asked of him.”

1 John 5:14-15

“They also serve who only stand and wait.”

The phrase probably originated from a line in the sonnet

‘On His Blindness’,

by John Milton, noted English poet and scholar.

Post by Janet Grunst

THE DAYS OF WOODEN SHIPS AND IRON MEN

“There was a time before our time,

It will not come again,

When the best ships were the wooden ships

But the men were iron men.”

Clipper Ships and Captains

By
Rosemary and Stephen Vincent Benet

Veteran’s Day should be a day when all Americans take time to reflect on and be thankful for the service of so many men and women throughout our 236 years as a nation. I am appreciative not only for those who have served our great country over all these years but particularly for two sons and a son-in-law who are currently serving in the military.

Midshipman Henry G. Taylor

Ours was a Navy family; but it also included men who served in almost all branches of the armed forces. My oldest son graduated from the Naval Academy in 2001, and like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather before him is a naval officer. As a girl I remember my grandfather, a retired Navy Admiral, referring to the good old days of “iron men and wooden ships. His stories of attending the Naval Academy 1903-1907, and sailing with The Great White Fleet fascinated me. I loved exploring the Academy in Annapolis, MD and reading about its history as well as the origins of the U.S. Navy.

Prior the Revolution, there were colonists who served in the British naval campaigns against Spain and France. By 1775 Americans were growing disenchanted with British rule and realized that any conflict with Britain would mean that the Atlantic Ocean would very likely become a theater of war. On October 13, 1775 the Continental Congress authorized two armed vessels to sail and search for munitions ships that were supplying the British Army in America.

It was not Congress’ intent to contest Britain’s control of the seas, only to wage attacks on their merchant shipping with the goal of cutting off their supplies to support their war efforts. The Continental Congress built up its fledgling navy by new construction, purchases and conversion of existing ships to twenty warships during the course of the war. Most of them were later destroyed by the British or by Americans to prevent their capture.

Peale’s portrait
John Paul Jones

It would be Scottish born John Paul Jones, a seafaring man with a history of serving on British ships and some run-ins with the law, a sympathizer with the colonial cause who would provide America with some crucial victories. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Continental Navy in December of 1775 and given the command of The Alfred. Over the next six years he had command of several ships and experienced numerous victories. It was while serving at the helm of the Bonhomme Richard in 1779, he captured the HMS Serapis. As his ship sunk beneath him he notably uttered “I have not yet begun to fight!”

After accepting a position in the Russian navy in 1788, he ran afoul of Empress Catherine’s military leaders and returned to Paris. In 1790 he was offered a military commission by George Washington, but his health had already begun to fail. In 1792, President George Washington and Thomas Jefferson signed a commission making John Paul Jones an official citizen of the United States and appointing him American consul to Algeria to clean up the piracy problems along the Barbary Coast. A month later at the age of forty-five the self proclaimed “citizen of the world” died and was buried in a leaden coffin in a cemetery for foreign Protestants in Paris where he would remain for 114 years.

In 1899 American Ambassador to France General Horace Porter began an intensive search through Paris for John Paul Jones grave, finally locating it after nearly six years. President Theodore Roosevelt charged Congress with appropriating the funds needed to exhume the American hero. The arduous task of retrieving the body and the subsequent autopsy validated his identity, made easier because the body had been preserved in brandy.

Annapolis was eventually chosen as John Paul Jones’ final resting place. In 1906 Jones was finally given the military honors he so often sought during his lifetime, first with an elaborate procession through Paris, by train to Cherbourg, then by transatlantic crossing with a fleet of eleven military vessels, and finally with a grand ceremony at Annapolis.

Painted scene of the Great
White Fleet from Silk Banner

The 1906 celebration of the “Father of the American Navy” was part of a larger public relations move on the part of President Roosevelt to promote US Naval sea power. In 1907, the same year my grandfather graduated from the Naval Academy, the President sent The Great White Fleet on a fourteen month circumnavigation of the world. Ensign Taylor was one of the 14,000 naval and marine personnel on twenty-eight ships that embarked from Hampton Roads to see the world.

John Paul Jones’ Crypt at the
U.S. Naval Academy
Photo courtesy of Travelbeat.net

The US Naval Academy Chapel, “The Cathedral of the Navy” was completed in 1912. John Paul Jones was laid to rest below the chapel in a dimly lit crypt watched over by an honor guard, where the ornate marble sarcophagus is supported by four bronze dolphins. Many inlays in the floor and glass cases along the walls display artifacts and facts of his remarkable life. This is a stop you don’t want to miss while touring the Academy yard.