On a beautiful spring morning, a naturalization ceremony took place on Lexington's Battle Green, where Captain John Parker once led the first battle of the American Revolution. The event featured U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson administering the Oath of Allegiance to 49 new citizens. The attendees hailed from various countries, including Algeria, Argentina, Belarus, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, South Korea, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Turkey, and Vietnam, showcasing a diverse mix of origins symbolizing the nation's melting pot.
Steve Cole, dressed in a blue wool coat detailed with white tassels and a tricorn hat, welcomed the crowd, emphasizing that regardless of their background, everyone belonged in that moment. Cole holds the title of the 76th Captain Commanding of the Lexington Minute Men and has played a role in the annual reenactment that honors the historical significance of the site.
The ceremony marked the second time this historic location hosted such an event, following last year's ceremony that celebrated the 250th anniversary of the shot heard around the world. Among the new citizens, Oscar Morales, 27, originally from Guatemala, expressed his gratitude for U.S. citizenship, reflecting on his journey from moving here as a teenager to studying at UMass Boston.
Another participant, Xuemei, who came to the U.S. from northern China, donned a bright red dress and expressed her joy about the ceremony, calling it an important moment in her life. She is now a sociology professor at Bentley University. Additionally, Filipe dos Santos, an active service member in the U.S. Army who moved to the country from Brazil, shared his excitement about becoming a citizen and the right to vote.
Historically, at the time of the Revolution, Lexington's population was primarily of English descent, with a mix of both free and enslaved Black residents, some of whom fought in the battle. Today, Lexington itself has transformed over the years, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. About a third of its residents are Asian American, with significant communities from China, India, and Korea.
Vineeta Kumar, who became the first person of color elected to Lexington's Select Board and is a naturalized citizen from India, also spoke at the ceremony. She invoked the sentiment of courage and a shared belief in liberty, justice, and equal opportunity as cornerstones of the American ethos. “Today you become part of that living legacy,” Kumar remarked, underscoring the significance of the moment for the new citizens.
Cole shared his hopes for the future, mentioning that his wife, originally from Mexico, might join him at the next year's ceremony, further symbolizing the unity and diversity celebrated on Lexington's historic grounds. He conveyed that holding the ceremony on such a meaningful site was a profound honor, especially for those who reenact the historical events that shaped the nation. “Captain Parker would be very proud,” Cole stated, reflecting the pride and significance tied to the location and the shared history it represents.
