Naturalization ceremony recognizes 57 new U.S. citizens

PENDER COUNTY (WWAY) — A naturalization ceremony was held as part of the First in Freedom fest in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence.

57 individuals gained US citizenship at the ceremony after completing the citizenship process.

Just a few of the 25 countries that were represented include India, Russia, Poland, China, and Mexico.

All 57 applicants swore into the oath of allegiance and were awarded a certificate of citizenship.

Caroline Makepeace is originally from Australia and has been living in America permanently since 2017.

“Very proud. Very excited. I love living in America, so it’s special to have reached this milestone to become a citizen, to participate in society here, to vote, I’m just very, very excited,” said Makepeace.

Makepeace said the ceremony being held at the battlefield added another special touch because of the historical significance of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge in the Revolutionary War.

One of the people who attended today’s naturalization ceremony is Kasia Foltyn.

She’s the founder of “Pierogi for the People.”

She started the local group 4 years ago following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Foltyn says “Pierogi for the People” has worked to raise money for Ukraine and Ukrainians.

“‘Pierogi for the People’ realized that we could raise a lot of money for locals, so we’ve been able to, almost 4 years, raise tens of thousands of dollars,” said Foltyn.

Foltyn adds that “Pierogi for the People” has helped locals with groceries, diapers, fuel, and shelter.