GARRISON – Nineteen residents of Putnam County recited their oath of allegiance to the United States and received a rousing ovation at Boscobel in Garrison Wednesday as America’s newest citizens.
Since 2015, following a 20-year hiatus, hundreds of newcomers have taken their oaths thanks to the efforts of County Clerk Michael Bartolotti and his staff.
The newest citizens come from 15 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Mainland China, Mexico, Montenegro, Nigeria, Peru and the Slovak Republic.
Bartolotti, when administering the oath of allegiance to the new citizens, described the ceremony as the “best day of my job. Thank you for taking this journey. You made the trip here. Please stay involved.”
The ceremony was officiated over by State Supreme Court Justice Anthony Mole, who told the audience, “We are proud to be Americans, and we welcome you. Your new rights are unmatched around the world. Become involved! It is diversity that has made our country so strong. Take an active role in your new land.”
Mole described the United States as a “land of opportunity. It has been 100 years since my grandfather arrived on U.S. soil and today, I have the honor and privilege to stand before you as a Putnam County judge. I encourage all of you to maintain your heritage and get involved in your new community because democracy requires participation by its citizens.”
The 5th New York Regiment consisting of Robert Bucceri, Dean DeLano and Zane Every advanced the colors while providing Revolutionary era musketry.
The Rev. Thomas Lutz, Pastor of Our Lady of Loretto Church in Cold Spring led the prayer while Amber Stickle, Deputy Director of Boscobel House and Gardens, delivered welcoming remarks along with County Executive Kevin Byrne and Putnam Historian Jennifer Cassidy.
Karl Rohde, director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and Rose D’Angelo sang a rendition of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ and ‘God Bless America.’
Congressman Mike Lawler delivered the keynote address, calling the occasion “momentous” and “a turning point.” He noted that his great-grandfather came to the United States from Italy in search of a new life and said the new citizens had come to America in pursuit of the same hope and opportunity. “You can now live without fear or consequences,” Lawler said. “You are a diverse group of people, and by choosing to become Americans, you have blessed our nation.”
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