Full Breakdown
Shreveport Naturalization Ceremony Marks America 250 Anniversary
7/3/2026, 10:50:12 PM
Shreveport Naturalization Ceremony Highlights America 250 Milestone
On Wednesday, July 3, 2026, a group of new U.S. citizens took the oath of allegiance at the Strand in Shreveport, Louisiana. The ceremony was organized as part of America 250, the program marking the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4. Federal Judge Maury Hicks of the Western District of Louisiana presided, administering the oath to each participant.
America 250 and Naturalization Ceremonies
America 250 marks the United States’ 250th anniversary. Naturalization ceremonies align individual citizenship milestones with the broader commemoration. The Shreveport ceremony exemplifies this approach by linking personal stories of immigration to the historic July 4 milestone.
Participants and Presiding Judge
Three newly naturalized individuals were highlighted: Mustafa Ergun, a native of Turkey; Caroline Pierce, originally from Germany; and Elisabeth Fatila of Canada. Ergun cited faith and community, noting his wish “to be part of a country that celebrates God.” Pierce emphasized becoming a citizen during the 250th anniversary, calling the timing “a big deal.” Federal Judge Maury Hicks led the proceedings and noted the event’s emotional resonance.
Significance of Timing and Community Integration
The ceremony took place during America 250, coinciding with the nation’s 250th birthday. For participants like Ergun and Pierce, the coincidence of their naturalization with the anniversary underscored belonging and continuity. The event linked personal milestones to a national narrative honoring immigrant contributions.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Hicks described the atmosphere as collective joy, relief, and celebration, noting that the smiles reflected deeper emotions tied to their new status.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel excited to be part of the history of America. I have studied a lot. I am even more exuberant to be part of it.” — Mustafa Ergun, naturalized citizen, Turkey
- “It is to be part of a country that celebrates God,” — Mustafa Ergun, naturalized citizen, Turkey
- “It was very exciting actually when I realized that this citizenship journey was going to take place basically during the 250th anniversary,” — Caroline Pierce, naturalized citizen, Germany
- “It’s beyond a smile. It is joy. It is relief, and it is celebration all wrapped up into one thing.” — Maury Hicks, Federal Judge, Western District of Louisiana
