Welcome A New American

On October 19, Barbara and I had the honor and pleasure of attending the Naturalization Ceremony for about 350 new American citizens in Faneuil Hall in Boston. Our son-in-law, Jonathan Appavoo, was among those who took the historic oath of citizenship. Jonathan is married to our daughter Ann and is father of our youngest grandchildren, Shanti and Raj. Jonathan, a computer scientist and professor at Boston University, and family are currently living in Bangalore (Bengaluru)in southern India during Jonathan’s sabbatic leave from B.U. He is helping Microsoft discover ways in which technology can be best developed and used to improve the well-being of Indians of lower socio-economic status in that class conscious nation.

The Naturalization ceremony was moving. Hundreds of immigrants from every corner of the world raised their right hands and swore, not only allegiance to the United States, but also implicitly,their resolve to become active, thoughtful and informed citizens. Taking the oath in Faneuil Hall placed Jonathan and his fellow new citizens in a direct line of those seeking freedom and liberty, from our founding ancestors to all those others who have not yet been able to fulfill their dreams of becoming new Americans.

Having just made the 24 hour flight from Boston to Bangalore with his family a few weeks ago, Jonathan flew back for the swearing-in and, he hopes, will be in the air, brand new American Passport in hand, heading east very shortly.

Here are some photos. Jonathan is wearing an orange jacket and white-framed glasses.

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