And we had a fine day for it, in spite of the forecast, which had said thundershowers.
We had planned to go and pick up my father from his home, but he decided that he'd drive over and save us some mileage. So we left a bit after midday to go up to March for the ceremony. This left plenty of time for accidents blocking the road, getting lost, not being able to read the map, the library mysteriously not being where it was supposed to be, etc etc...
None of those things occurred, of course, so we arrived at the library about 12:40 when the ceremony wasn't till 2pm. So after checking out the lie of the land, we executed our fall-back plan and adjourned to a nearby pub for lunch.
Back to the library about 1:45, where it became clear that the statement in the letter that the ceremony would be at 2pm meant that people would start checking names at 2pm and the ceremony would be at about 2:30. For some reason, the library, despite being built in 2001 and having lots of glass, didn't have air conditioning. So it was Hot while we were waiting.
But eventually we were allowed into the room, the nine new Britons processed in after us, and there was a ceremony. A couple of short speeches, a group recital of the Oath of Allegiance and of the Affirmation of Allegiance, and then the Pledge of Britishness, the Presentation of Certificates and the National Anthem to close proceedings.
Photographs were taken and may get put up on the Interweb sometime soon.
And so home, where we opened a bottle of champagne. And then another one. And sent out for Chinese, forgetting that we'd had lunch. So we have leftover Chinese for tonight as well...
And Marcia is now a Proper British Citizen, as well as an American.
We had planned to go and pick up my father from his home, but he decided that he'd drive over and save us some mileage. So we left a bit after midday to go up to March for the ceremony. This left plenty of time for accidents blocking the road, getting lost, not being able to read the map, the library mysteriously not being where it was supposed to be, etc etc...
None of those things occurred, of course, so we arrived at the library about 12:40 when the ceremony wasn't till 2pm. So after checking out the lie of the land, we executed our fall-back plan and adjourned to a nearby pub for lunch.
Back to the library about 1:45, where it became clear that the statement in the letter that the ceremony would be at 2pm meant that people would start checking names at 2pm and the ceremony would be at about 2:30. For some reason, the library, despite being built in 2001 and having lots of glass, didn't have air conditioning. So it was Hot while we were waiting.
But eventually we were allowed into the room, the nine new Britons processed in after us, and there was a ceremony. A couple of short speeches, a group recital of the Oath of Allegiance and of the Affirmation of Allegiance, and then the Pledge of Britishness, the Presentation of Certificates and the National Anthem to close proceedings.
Photographs were taken and may get put up on the Interweb sometime soon.
And so home, where we opened a bottle of champagne. And then another one. And sent out for Chinese, forgetting that we'd had lunch. So we have leftover Chinese for tonight as well...
And Marcia is now a Proper British Citizen, as well as an American.
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What's this, you promise to start using irony and spell things with an "s" instead of a "z"? :->
Congratulations to Marcia!
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Actually, see below, where it calls it a Citizenship Pledge.
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Please forward a copy of the oaths mom took if you dont mind. I simply am curious on that.
Congradulations to mom for if you will!
TechNoir
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When you attend the ceremony, it will be usual to do so together with a group of other new citizens. The Superintendent Registrar or Deputy will host the ceremony. Local dignitaries will attend.
After a speech of welcome, the Superintendent Registrar will invite you to swear the Oath of allegiance or, if you prefer, to speak the affirmation of allegiance.
Oath of allegiance
I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.
Affirmation of allegiance
I (name) do solemnly and sincerely affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.
After the Oath or affirmation, you will take the citizenship Pledge
Pledge
I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.
The Superintendent Registrar will then present you with your citizenship certificate and an information pack. There may be an informal celebration with light refreshments.