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Esther Marie received an exciting package in the mail today....a letter from the President and her official Certificate of Citizenship! Yippie! She officially became a citizen the day we returned home, June 20, 2008, but the Certificate of Citizenship is THE important paper to have! Below is the text of the letter she received from President Bush. I know it's a form letter, but all the same, it's very touching and very meaningful. I would copy and post the Certificate, but I don't think it's safe to do that. I hope Esther Marie will grow up to appreciate what it means to live in this great and free nation....and I pray God will continue to bless America!
The White House
Washington
Dear Fellow American:
I am pleased to congratulate you on becoming a United States citizen. You are now a part of a great and blessed Nation. I know your family and friends are proud of you on this special day.
Americans are united across the generations by grand and enduring ideals. The grandest of these ideals is an unfolding promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, and that no insignificant person was ever born. Our country has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by principles that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests, and teach us what it means to be citizens. Every citizen must uphold these principles. And every new citizen, by embracing these ideals, makes our country more, not less, American.
As you begin to participate fully in our democracy, remember that what you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you to serve your new Nation, beginning with your neighbor. I ask you to be citizens building communities of service and a Nation of character. Americans are generous and strong and decent not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves. When this spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace it. When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.
Welcome to the joy, responsibility, and freedom of American citizenship. God bless you, and God bless America.
Sincerely,
George W. Bush
2 comments:
We are excited with you guys that Esther M. is now with you all in the USA!!
It is truly exciting that she has her official letter of citizenship!!
We look forward to meet this new little 'Ami'!!!
love,
Uncle Daniel & Co
This is SO cool!! I can't wait to get Elissa's (whenever that may be).
Pam
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