President welcomes new soldiers-turned-citizens

AP 05/02/2009 02:15

President Barack Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano greet newly sworn in U.S. citizens at the conclusion of a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama told two dozen members of the U.S. military who were sworn in Friday as U.S. citizens that they are "living examples" of America's promise.

"Your service reminds all of us that much of the strength of this country is drawn from those who have chosen to call it home," Obama said at a buoyant ceremony in the White House's East Room. "It's not lost on me or anybody here today that, at a time when we face an economic crisis born in many ways of irresponsibility, there are those who are actively pursuing greater responsibility."

Obama took the podium, looked around the room, and said he was honored "to be the first to address you as my fellow Americans." The audience burst into applause.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano administered the oath of citizenship.

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