Welcoming new citizens to the United States

We agree with the many Americans who love this country and esteem it the greatest place on Earth to call home. We are reminded of this every year as candidates seek to become United States citizens.

In a standing-room-only ceremony held indoors because of expected inclement weather, 14 candidates became American citizens July 4 at the Common Pleas Courthouse in Cape Girardeau. U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt commented, "Legal immigration is one of the things that made our country as great as it is."

Before swearing in, the candidates had the opportunity to speak, and many are clearly eager to contribute to that tradition of American exceptionalism of which Blunt spoke. Several candidates spoke about "the honor of the moment, the seemingly boundless opportunity they now enjoyed, an eagerness to vote," as the Southeast Missourian's Tyler Graef wrote.

The largeness of the event is evidenced by those in attendance. Dignitaries, who could be doing anything on Independence Day, took time to be there to welcome these additions to our American family.

In attendance and taking the oath that day was Southeast Missouri State University president Carlos Vargas-Aburto, who is from Mexico and whose son is a U.S. Marine. Mayor Harry E. Rediger was also present, as were U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., Rep. Kathy Swan and Sen. Wayne Wallingford, to name a few.

One highlight of the event was James D. Bollinger, who received the 2016 Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award and delivered inspirational remarks.

"Today, a new journey starts," Vargas said. The new U.S. citizens would agree, and they took advantage of the moment by first filling out voter-registration cards and then watching their first fireworks display as citizens of the United States of America.

Congratulations to the new Americans. We welcome you with open arms.