The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in which 22 petitioners became United States citizens. The Honorable Jay C. Zainey, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over the May 1 ceremony. He opened the ceremony by inviting everyone to stand for the presentation of the colors by the members of the U.S. Coast Guard and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Judge Zainey then invited keynote speaker Mimi Nguyen to provide remarks. Nguyen, an Assistant United States Attorney, noted the ceremony took place one day after the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, which was the catalyst for her family immigrating to America. Her father worked many difficult jobs to provide for her family while he learned English, and the only week he took off work each year was the week of July 4th.  Nguyen said she is reminded of her father’s American pride at the beginning of every court proceeding when she introduces herself as “representing the United States of America.”  Brock Dupre, Deputy Chief of the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office (EDLA), served as the Attorney General’s designee and certified the petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship. After granting the requests for name change, Judge Zainey administered the Oath of Allegiance, before providing final remarks. Judge Zainey encouraged the new citizens to embrace their new home country by voting in elections at all levels and utilizing the rights they have been afforded. Petitioners were then given their certificates and took pictures with Judge Zainey and their families. To view photos from the ceremony, please select this link.