Variation in ceremonies... Lee Greenwood?? Really?

[teresaandkurt 2]

So, my husband participated in the oath ceremony last week in Durham, NC. (woohoo!) All we had read leading up to the event, and the specific instructions in the oath notification letter led us to believe this was to be a solemn, official proceeding. I was expecting an atmosphere not unlike court...or perhaps like a legislative session. Formal. Dignified. I have to say I was more than a little taken aback by the actual experience. It felt a little more like a pep rally at an SEC football game... complete with a halftime show including Lee Greenwood and John Philips Sousa.... It just made me wonder how much leeway there is in how the ceremony is conducted. I mean, if we were going to go so far as to include Lee Greenwood, why couldn't we have had some James Brown Living in America, too?

It was just a little weird to me...ESPECIALLY given that they went to such lengths to make sure we knew that we should dress nicely because it was such a momentous ceremony.

Anyone else have a lee greenwood video played for them?

[JoBri 548]

Yes, we did, and it was even a more formal of a ceremony than usual, since it was all members of the military in uniform taking their oath.

So, my husband participated in the oath ceremony last week in Durham, NC. (woohoo!) All we had read leading up to the event, and the specific instructions in the oath notification letter led us to believe this was to be a solemn, official proceeding. I was expecting an atmosphere not unlike court...or perhaps like a legislative session. Formal. Dignified. I have to say I was more than a little taken aback by the actual experience. It felt a little more like a pep rally at an SEC football game... complete with a halftime show including Lee Greenwood and John Philips Sousa.... It just made me wonder how much leeway there is in how the ceremony is conducted. I mean, if we were going to go so far as to include Lee Greenwood, why couldn't we have had some James Brown Living in America, too?

It was just a little weird to me...ESPECIALLY given that they went to such lengths to make sure we knew that we should dress nicely because it was such a momentous ceremony.

Anyone else have a lee greenwood video played for them?

[1stLoveRedo 111]

That's has been pretty much the standard.

I was naturalized in 2001 and had known quite few peeps that were naturalized over the years.

Everyone experienced Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA with a slideshow on the YS and it's beautiful scenery

[1stLoveRedo 111]

*USA

[Shauneg 762]

I love that song. being in the military and stationed in Korea we were often in military exercises, when that song played over the loudspeakers base wide we knew we the war exercises were over. It's just a good song.

That song codifies what's good about being an American. It's a staple at any patriotic event.

Edited June 19, 2015 by Shauneg

[JimmyHou 611]

With all due respect to differences of opinion, I think it's a terrible song; absolutely awful musically speaking. It's poorly composed, the lyrics don't flow logically, and the performer's singing ability isn't even on par with other country singers.

That being said, it's very popular and it's definitely patriotic and many people like it. I find it a little embarrassing that they would choose that song over My Country Tis of Thee or America the Beautiful... if you want a feel-good patriotic song, either one of those is a far better song. But others like it and it doesn't really hurt me in any way to listen to a song I don't like. I'm glad it makes others feel good; they should on such a special day.

On second thought, maybe not My Country Tis of Thee... I think it's a beautiful song, but it was, after all, written to the melody of God Save the Queen! :-)

[1stLoveRedo 111]

I have to say, I used to feel the same as you JimmyHou

And I do still agree that the song, lyrics and the whole arrangement is far away from being great.

But, what I have realized is that this song can and has been successfully bringing the spirit of Americans and what the America stands for. And that feeling that I often see in the people listening to that songs has nothing to do with a song, more like a song is used as a trigger to feel very patriotic at the given moment.

I don't know, maybe I won't be understood here, but that song.. However poorly written, did grew on me and do feel chills when I hear it. Maybe because it reminds me when I became a citizen and there is a whole movie playing in front of my eyes of what I have accomplished and life I lead in the past 14 years...

So although I do consider myself a 'music snob' , this song does get a pass.. Every time

[Shauneg 762]

With all due respect to differences of opinion, I think it's a terrible song; absolutely awful musically speaking. It's poorly composed, the lyrics don't flow logically, and the performer's singing ability isn't even on par with other country singers.

That being said, it's very popular and it's definitely patriotic and many people like it. I find it a little embarrassing that they would choose that song over My Country Tis of Thee or America the Beautiful... if you want a feel-good patriotic song, either one of those is a far better song. But others like it and it doesn't really hurt me in any way to listen to a song I don't like. I'm glad it makes others feel good; they should on such a special day.

On second thought, maybe not My Country Tis of Thee... I think it's a beautiful song, but it was, after all, written to the melody of God Save the Queen! :-)

I would have no problem with America The Beautiful....amazing song.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

I actually prefer America the Beautiful to the national anthem itself. That or God Bless America

Edited June 19, 2015 by Transborderwife

[catknit 144]

I wish my husband's had been a little more laid back or at a different venue...we were in a Federal Court with no chance of taking photos.

Edited to add - there was no music at all.

Edited June 19, 2015 by catknit

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Yep mine and my daughter's were equally tacky in that respect, I thought it tooka way from the importance of the event. The head person from the Fairfax, VA office was the biggest goober ever - she sang along (off key) and encouraged us to sing and wave our little hand flags as well - uh no, I wouldn't be caught dead singing some schmaltzy song, national anthem yes, Lee Greenwood no.

[kzielu 1,149]

I didn't but "Living in America" would have been awesome ! Think "Rocky 4" !

[Shauneg 762]

I didn't but "Living in America" would have been awesome ! Think "Rocky 4" !

I heard starting August 1 each person taking the oath will be required to wear the following....

Edited June 19, 2015 by Shauneg

[raven52 233]

Wow, I did not know this. We are filing ROC soon and can file N-400 in less than a year (3 year marriage rule).,.,.but this is exciting to read. Had not thought about it yet.

But, I will tell my wife tomorrow, she will be surprised also, I thought we would be in a court room or something like that.

Thanks for the info!

[teresaandkurt 2]

I heard starting August 1 each person taking the oath will be required to wear the following....

Apollo2.jpg

That's fantastic!