My message to newly naturalized citizens: “Leave your mark. make a difference”

Being a citizen of the United States comes with responsibilities.

Leave your mark.

Make a difference.

I was the guest speaker at a Federal Naturalization Ceremony Wednesday morning.

807 people from 36 different countries, plus their family members, filled the Abraham Chavez Theatre.

The three tiered building erupted into cheers after they pledged the Oath of Allegiance.

As a first generation El Pasaon, I challenged the 807 new U.S. Citizens to get involved in their community.

The oldest new citizen is 86 years old, the youngest 18.

Seven service members from Nigeria, Iran, India, Jamaica and Mexico pledge oath to the American flag, too.

We all have something valuable to bring to the table. We can change someone’s life by getting involved in theirs.