PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
OATH … Candidates for citizenship raise their right hands while taking the Oath of Allegiance during the July 4 naturalization ceremony at Sauder Village.
CITIZEN … Jonathan Peter Widmer receives his certificate from U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp II after becoming a United States citizen during the Sauder Village ceremony.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Sauder Village marked America’s 250th birthday with a full day of patriotic activities on Saturday, July 4, highlighted by a U.S. District Court naturalization ceremony held on the Village Green inside the Historic Village.
The ceremony, held through the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Western Division, was presided over by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp II.
During the ceremony, 21 new citizens took the Oath of Allegiance, surrounded by family members, guests, living history buildings and the sounds of patriotic music.
The naturalization ceremony was part of Sauder Village’s larger Independence Day celebration, which also included free admission for veterans and active-duty military, an America 250 Homecoming and Picnic with games and activities, live music by the Fort Defiance Dixieland Jazz Band and special dining options at the Soda Fountain and Barn Restaurant.
The ceremony opened with the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 63 of Archbold, followed by “God Bless America” performed by the Fort Defiance Dixieland Jazz Band.
Steve Van Sickle, serving as town crier, opened court, and Sauder Village President and CEO Todd D. Norris welcomed those in attendance.
For Sauder Village, the day carried added meaning, as the museum is celebrating its 50th year while the nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Historic Village setting gave the ceremony a visible connection to the country’s past during the holiday.
Ashley Baumgartner, a naturalized citizen who became an American citizen during the July 4 ceremony at Sauder Village one year earlier, served as guest speaker.
Baumgartner was born in Canada and came to the United States at age 11 with her mother and stepfather.
She spoke to the new citizens about the meaning of the day and the path that brought them to the ceremony.
Baumgartner described citizenship as more than paperwork, a ceremony or a legal process, saying it marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
She also reflected on her own experience of leaving behind what was familiar as a child, adjusting to a new country, and eventually choosing to build her future in the United States.
Baumgartner said the country had given her opportunities to earn an education, raise a family, build a career of service and contribute to her community.
Her remarks centered on both the privilege and responsibility of citizenship. She told the new citizens that becoming American citizens gave them not only rights, but also the opportunity to help shape the future of the nation through community involvement, service and care for others.
Charles Bentley, a junior at St. Ignatius High School, then presented an original spoken-word poem titled “The Unfinished Circle.”
His poem reflected on 250 years of American history, describing the nation as an unfinished work shaped by generations of people pushing it forward.
Bentley’s poem connected the new citizens to that continuing story, noting that they were not spectators, but authors of the country’s next chapter. Officer Kyra Chan of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services presented the candidates for citizenship before they stood, raised their right hands and repeated the Oath of Allegiance.
Through the oath, the new citizens declared their allegiance to the United States, pledged to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, and accepted the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
After taking the oath, the new citizens joined Boy Scout Troop 63 in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as American citizens. Willa Ruffer, a senior at Archbold High School, then performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Judge Knepp later offered remarks connecting the ceremony to the history of the Declaration of Independence and the founding principles of the country.
He spoke about the significance of rights, citizenship and the responsibilities carried by those who become part of the American experiment.
He also noted the importance of citizens in shaping the country, whether through military service, jury duty, community support or participation in civic life.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the new citizens, followed by the closing of court.
Following the ceremony, several of the new citizens reflected on what the day meant to them. Elodie Schreiber, originally from France, said the ceremony felt “absolutely fantastic” and added that she was honored and grateful the day had finally arrived.
Jissela Zoraida Ruble, originally from Ecuador, said the process had taken around five years, making the moment one of pride as she became an American citizen.
Jonathan Peter Widmer, originally from the Cayman Islands, said he felt happy and relieved after a journey that began when he came to the United States as a freshman in high school.
Adrian Joseph Gregory Jordan, originally from Northern Ireland, described the day as emotional following a long journey to citizenship.
He said his first visit to the United States came in 1987 on a school trip to New York and Connecticut, and that he later returned, spending time in New York and Key West before eventually making his way to Ohio.
Jordan said he now lives in Marblehead near Lake Erie, an area he said reminds him of home, though with less rain.
Asked what he would tell others working toward citizenship, Jordan said they should keep going, adding that the journey may take time but is worth it.
Sauder Village’s July 4 celebration continued throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to take part in hands-on history, family activities and patriotic observances during the national milestone.
