On September 12, 2025, the stunning amphitheatre of Grand Canyon National Park provided an unforgettable backdrop as 29 individuals from 13 countries officially took the Oath of Allegiance and became U.S. citizens. The diverse group hailed from Brazil, Canada, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Their achievement reflects not only the pride of citizenship, but also the resilience and hope inherent in choosing a new home.
Here at the immigration-services leader, GLOBAL USA, we celebrate each such milestone as a testament to the vitality of the United States and to the personal journeys that bring individuals into the fabric of the nation.
Embracing a New Chapter Together
Park Superintendent Ed Keable opened the ceremony with heartfelt reflections, likening the enduring strength of the Grand Canyon to the perseverance required on the path to citizenship. “The Grand Canyon endures. Life will return, forests will regrow, and the canyon will remain a symbol of strength and renewal,” he stated, drawing a clear parallel to the journey each new citizen has navigated.
The event included a formal presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard from Northern Arizona University, a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by vocalist Audrey Stone of the Juniper Hill Band, and the administration of the Oath by U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles and U.S. District Court Deputy Clerk Christina Davison.
As friends and families gathered to cheer their loved ones, the newly-naturalized citizens exchanged certificates and posed for celebratory photographs against the vast and inspiring canyon walls. The ceremony concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Ramon Melocarela, and a closing welcome from Superintendent Keable: “Today marks a new beginning… your journey and your contributions will help shape the future of this nation.”
Why This Moment Matters
For GLOBAL USA, each naturalization ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the values of unity, diversity and civic pride. This occasion was part of a nationwide celebration organized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in honor of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, underscoring the enduring significance of democratic participation.
By becoming U.S. citizens at a landmark like the Grand Canyon, these 29 individuals symbolically entered a new chapter – bringing their cultural heritage, experiences and dreams into a collective national story. At GLOBAL USA, we remain committed to guiding immigrants through their citizenship journey, and we congratulate this remarkable group as they embark on their new lives in America.
