Some 150 people will be taking the oath of American citizenship Thursday at the Big South Fork National Park’s Bandy Creek Visitor Center.
Big South Fork Chief of Interpretation and Education Christopher Derman said the event is part of National Park Week. The 150 people are from around the world.
“Our national parks serve as locations where significant events in American history occurred,” Derman said. “And there’s no better venue or back drop to welcome brand new American citizens than at our national parks.”
United States District Judge Thomas Phillips will conduct the ceremony.
“After some words are spoken by individuals, such as the judge and the superintendent of the park, they’re called individually forward to receive their official citizenship,” Derman said. “It’s very official. There will be some musicians playing music, a local Boy Scout troop will be doing presentation of colors. And it’s a pretty neat thing to behold.”
Derman said the public event offers Big South Fork an opportunity to show folks what the park has to offer.
“If there is a benefit, it would be an opportunity to provide another reason for visitors to come out and experience the park,” Derman said. “If it’s the first time or the 100th time, an opportunity to come out and enjoy being at Big South Fork.”
Derman said the event is a partnership between the National Park Service and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.
