Seongeun Kim, originally from Korea, is all smiles after she took the oath to become a US citizen in U.S. District Middle Court in Williamsport on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Kim was one of 23 people from 15 different countries that took the oath to become citizens in front of Judge Matthew Brann, chief judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

There was an air of happiness and accomplishment at the Federal Courthouse on Friday as Judge Matthew Brann, chief judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, oversaw a naturalization ceremony.

23 people representing 15 countries took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.

Judge Brann began the proceedings by noting that while, “federal courts are often called upon to rule on these rights, today is a wonderful day, because this court can bestow these rights.”

Brann stressed that while the United States has many freedoms, he quoted U.S. District Court Circuit Judge Learned Hand in stating, “liberty lies in the hearts of men and women. And when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.”

Brann then addressed the soon-to-be new citizens directly, stating, “you will now become citizens of this remarkable country. You inherited a great legacy, also inherited a great duty.”

Representatives of The Daughters of the American Revolution were present, handing out flags and congratulations to the newly minted citizens.

Journey speaker, Ishia Mansaray, who came here from Sierra Leone and now resides in State College, choked back tears as she spoke for the group that included those from China, the Dominican Republic, and Guyana, to name a few.

“I’m very excited,” Mansaray said, “today is an exciting day because I can say ‘I did it for myself, and I did it for my family.'”

“Today is a special day because I’ve had the opportunity that so many don’t have, but we’re here now, and we have the opportunity to open it for everyone that’s struggling right now.”

“I still have family, my mom and my dad back home, and now that I’m a U.S. Citizen, I can actually apply for them.”

In a lighthearted moment, while talking about traveling abroad, Judge Brann assured Mansaray that she would be allowed re-entry.

“I’m so excited to be a citizen of this country that is so beautiful, peaceful, secure, and has freedom for everyone,” Mariano Castro said, who hails from Ecuador, and currently lives in Bradford County.

In attendance to share in the joy of Castro’s seven year journey was his wife, Markie, and their two children, nine year old Sergio and seven year old Aaliyah.

Jacob and Julia Galchenko, of State College, called this day a “blessing.”

The couple, originally from Ukraine, began their journey towards citizenship five years ago.

“We’re so happy and appreciative of the honor to be part of this great democracy,” Jacob says.

“It was a long journey, but we thank God to be part of a safe society to raise our children in,” says the couple who have two children and one on the way.

“It’s just a blessing to be in a country of opportunities, and we hope our citizenship can help our families still in Ukraine.”

“And we hope that our citizenship can be a blessing to this country, as well,” Jacob says.

At closing, Judge Brann joked that certain countries may require new citizens to take a photo with the judge, stating, “in the United States of America, you don’t have to stay to take a photograph,” but, offered to stay as long as necessary, so that all of the new citizens and their families could get as many photos as they wanted.