On Canada Day, 9 Wing Gander, N.L., hosted a citizenship ceremony, welcoming 25 new Canadians as citizens of our nation.
The new citizens were from 10 countries of origin including the United States, England, India, China, South Africa, Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, Papua New Guinea and Egypt, with the youngest being seven years of age.
Normally, a citizenship judge presides over these ceremonies and administers the oath of citizenship. However, 9 Wing is fortunate to have a member that complied with one other criteria, that of being a member of the Order of Military Merit. The Honorary Colonel of 9 Wing, William Mahoney, OMM, CD, thus had the honour of presiding over this citizenship ceremony.
The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen. During the ceremony, participants take the oath of citizenship and receive their citizenship certificates. Individuals must be 18 or older to apply for citizenship; adults and children 14 years or older must attend a ceremony and take the oath of citizenship. Parents receive certificates of citizenship for their children under age 14. These children do not have to attend, but they are very much welcomed.
The oath of citizenship
“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.”
