The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in which 50 petitioners became United States citizens. The Honorable Lance M. Africk, U.S. District Judge, presided over the March 3 ceremony. He welcomed and invited everyone to stand for the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Judge Africk then introduced the keynote speaker, recently appointed United States Attorney David Courcelle. He spoke of how he was born in Japan, his mother’s native country, on a U.S. Naval Base where his father was stationed. Courcelle recalled his mother’s own naturalization journey, and her tireless studies to learn U.S. civics and memorize the Pledge of Allegiance. She eventually did become a U.S. citizen and was naturalized in the very courthouse where he now tries cases as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Judge Africk then invited Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Goudeau to issue the statement of petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship and present petitioners’ requests for name change. AUSA Goudeau then announced the names of the 50 new citizens. After granting the requests for name change, Judge Africk asked Deputy Clerk Bridget Gregory to administer the Oath of Allegiance. Judge Africk then concluded the ceremony by speaking of his own ancestors’ journeys to becoming American citizens and the pride he feels for them now that he serves as a U.S. District Judge. The new citizens then received their certificates and took photos with their families. To view photos from the ceremony, please select this link.