Moores Creek National Battlefield welcomes 60 new American citizens at naturalization ceremony

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — On Friday morning at Moores Creek National Battlefield, 60 new American citizens celebrate the completion of a process that takes years, and even decades.  

In addition to reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, newly naturalized citizens sang the national anthem, and took the Oath of Allegiance. For many, it’s an emotional moment.   

New citizen Sherise Dunkins is originally from the Bahamas. Although she’s married to an American, her path to citizenship still took years. Now, she has big plans. 

“I want to go back to school. I’m a pastor, we have our own church. So, you know, just excited to be able to have the opportunity to become an American citizen. That was always my dream, and God fulfilled it today,” she said. 

Cyril Ui moved to America from the Philippines when he was 15 years old.  

After graduating from high school in the states, Ui enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He explains although that slowed his path to citizenship, now he’s proud to officially be a part of the nation he serves.  

“I’ve been getting to field operations and deployments, it kind of delayed, but now, here I am,” he said. 

Olga Zakaharova moved to the US from Russia 12 years ago to study architecture. 

After studying at Woodbury University in California, she went on to work at an architectural firm in New York City before earning her graduate degree from Princeton. She said although she’s already done a lot, she plans to travel. 

“I am really excited to explore more of the country, visit more cities, see most of the states,” she said. 

Gustavo Vargas said he is ecstatic to finally be a part of the land of opportunity.  

“I’m really really happy. I appreciate it for everybody and everyone, you know employees that stay here. It’s one more step for a life, you know and we have a lot of opportunities right here in the country,” he said.”