New citizens show love for United States

For 16 new American citizens, to claim citizenship in this great country is not something to take lightly.

Earlier this month a naturalization ceremony was held at the Rush H. Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau. Sixteen individuals from 12 countries and three continents took the pledge to support the United States.

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith summed it up well.

"It says something about our country that people are willing to leave their birth homes and sometimes their families and friends to become American citizens," Smith said.

Assistant Federal prosecutor Larry Ferrell highlighted components to citizenship. These include being a legal permanent resident of the U.S. with at least 30 months of the last five years spent here; demonstrating high moral character; being willing to support and defend this country and its Constitution; reading, writing, speaking and understanding English; and having a knowledge of the country's history and government.

It's not an easy path to citizenship. These 16 people can attest to that fact. However, by going through the process, the paperwork, the residency requirements and more, these individuals have shown a love for the United States. They do not take citizenship for granted.

We wish these citizens every good blessing.