NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A naturalization ceremony took place downtown Wilmington aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Friday. Eighteen Marines became U.S. citizens, making it one of the largest ceremonies for a Marine Corps infantry battalion.
The service members are part of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division. They hail from 14 countries across five continents, according to a press release.
As part of their induction, the Marines were required to recite the Oath of Allegiance in front of the Honorable Richard E. Myers II, chief judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
“Today was a great chance to recognize a significant event in the lives of these young Marines” Lt. Col. William Kerrigan, the Marines’ commanding officer, said in a release. “They have already raised their hands and committed to defending this nation, without even being U.S. citizens. Now that they have earned their citizenship, I’m excited to see where it takes them.”
The naturalized Marines will now be able to expand their occupations in the military, should they choose to continue serving, as well as vote, run for public office, petition for permanent residency, and even seek citizenship for family members.
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