YVONNE GARCIA: Distinguished
guests, family, friends, and, most importantly, our
newest American citizens, welcome. Today, we gather to celebrate
the addition of new members to our great nation
and how fitting it is that we're here
at the JFK Library, a place to reflect on the
profound influence of one of America's most
iconic figures-- President John F.
Kennedy, a man born into a family of immigrants. His story embodies the American
dream in its purest form. JFK's journey from
the great grandson of Irish immigrants to the
highest office in the land serves as a testament
to the opportunities of our great nation. His presidency was
marked by a commitment to civil rights,
economic prosperity, and global collaboration. I believe his greatest
legacy lies in his ability to inspire generations to come
regardless of the background or origin. In JFK, we see the embodiment
of the American spirit, a spirit defined not
by one's ancestry but by one's dedication to the
ideals of liberty, justice, and equality for all. He understood that
diversity is a strength and that immigrants enrich
the fabric of our society with their unique
perspectives and talents. It actually reminds
me of my family story. My parents emigrated from
the Dominican Republic in 1961 looking to pursue
the American dream. They did not speak English. They knew no one. But one thing they
did know was that they came to this great country
to make a difference and to raise a family fueled
by a commitment of providing their children with the
gift of an education as they knew that gift
represented a passport to prosperity and freedom. My mother worked in a
hospital in New York for 37 years in
the pathology lab. After emigrating to
the United States, her life goal was to ensure
that her children had the best education possible. Often working double
shifts, she knew that she would not see her
children for the entire day. So in the morning, she would
put on this bright red lipstick, kiss each of her children
on the forehead for us to discover it when we woke up. You see, this moment
may seem small to some. But what my mother's
red lipstick represented was her strong work
ethic, her dedication to do whatever is
possible to provide her children with the gift
of opportunity and freedom. My mother did not do this alone. My father was a jeweler
and an entrepreneur. He would come home
from work in a suit, run upstairs and change
into construction clothes. He would take me with
him to his second job where I would do my
homework while he worked his second shift. Looking back at that moment, it
made me realize and appreciate how, as immigrants, we embody
the spirit of perseverance doing whatever it takes
to succeed from working multiple jobs to pursuing
education and entrepreneurship opportunities. Our resilience and determination
contribute significantly to this nation's
diverse tapestry and economic prosperity. I was blessed to witness
firsthand my parents unwavering commitment to
achieving their dreams and providing their
family for a better future in this great country. Like my parents, you too
may face some challenges on this path-- moments of disagreement at times
when the ideals of our nation seem distant. But remember, America is work
in progress forever striving towards a more perfect Union. Your voices, your
ideas, your engagement are vital to ensuring that
our promise remains alive. And while my parents both worked
extremely hard from the day they stepped foot
into this country, they never forgot
to pay it forward. In fact, I cannot remember a
day at home when it was only my immediate family. My house was actually known
as the Dominican Embassy. I'm sure like many of you,
when my parents emigrated to the United States, they
left behind family and friends in their country
that were counting on them to pave
the way for them, to open doors once
they became settled. And they did just that. My parents' home was always
open to family and friends seeking a greater
opportunity in this country. We became their safe haven. My parents understood
the importance of paving the way for
others, giving back, and what it means to build
a culture of philanthropy. These lessons instilled
in me the importance and responsibility of making a
difference in one's community. As new citizens, you
too are entrusted to share your experiences,
cultures, and talents to create a more inclusive
and thriving society and inspire positive change that
transcends borders and enriches the lives of all around you. I took the opportunity to share
my family's story with you because, today, as
new citizens, you bear a great responsibility. You are joining a nation built
by immigrants, a nation that welcomes people from every
corner of the globe as we witness today regardless of
race, religion, or creed. You bring with you hopes and
dreams of your ancestors, as well as your own aspirations
for a brighter future. Today, as you took that
oath of citizenship, I encourage you to embrace
the responsibilities that come with being an
American, embrace the diversity of our nation,
contribute to your communities, and strive to make
America a better place for all who have the
privilege of calling it home. May your journey be filled
with hope, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness. Congratulations, new citizens,
and welcome to the United States of America. [APPLAUSE]
