New Citizens Call USA Home at American Heroes Air Show

By Julie BUTCHER

During Saturday’s sunny morning, draped by the patriotic backdrop of the American Heroes Air Show, framed by the mountains surrounding Hansen Dam, cheered by family, friends, and officials, 60 children under the age of 18 took the Oath of Allegiance to become the newest citizens of the U.S.A.

Vahe Vardanyan, 9, and Khachatur Vardanyan, 12, with their mother Nina Balyan, show off their newly earned citizenship certificates.

John Holland, San Fernando Valley section manager for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, emceed the ceremony and addressed the new citizens: “You are here because your family had a dream, a dream to be a part of one of the greatest nations in the world, a nation where we are free to share our ideas and come together as individuals from different cultures and countries to enjoy a life of promise, freedom, and democracy.”

Joseph Hackbarth, Field Office director, administered the Oath of Allegiance: “I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom, or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the Law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

Nina Balyan cheered as her two children, Vahe Vardanyan, 9, and Khachatur Vardanyan, 12, were among those taking the oath.

“We are so very thankful to this country. vvWe came here from Armenia for a better life, for us and for our kids, and we are grateful every day to be welcomed here,” she said.

James Paules, founder and CEO of the American Heroes Aviation Network, the organization responsible for the American Heroes Airshow, thanked Council District 7 for its assistance in coordinating the citizenship ceremony as well as the rest of the activities.

“It’s a privilege to have them here, especially for the families. It’s an important event. Because of the help we get from the council office, we’re able to keep this event free [to attend], provide free parking and welcome families from all over the Valley to see these amazing first responders up close – the kids love it!”

Especially popular were helicopter rides, available for a nominal fee.

“The helicopter rides?” asked Paules. “Best price you’ll [find] for an amazing experience.”