More Constitution Day and Citizenship Day from US Courts

On September 16, 2016, USCourts live-streamed Naturalization Oath Ceremonies from Ellis Island and the Capitol Mall. Here are the best scenes from National Park Oath ceremonies around the country plus Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor remarks.

USCourts: Constitution and Citizenship Day Across the Nation (2016) (7 minutes)

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day was celebrated on September 16th, 2016 to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution and the rights and protections it provides to all American citizens. In partnership with the Civics Renewal Network, the U.S. Courts participated in naturalization ceremonies held at over 40 locations across the United States including National Historic Places and National Parks. These locations were chosen to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. This video features ceremony highlights from Ellis Island, the Lincoln Memorial, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and others. It includes speeches by federal judges, administrators of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the National Park Service, musical performances and student presentations.

USCourts: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 2016 (39 minute summary)
Special coverage of Constitution Day & Citizenship Day from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, and Ellis Island in New York. Watch as new American citizens take the oath of allegiance at naturalization ceremonies. Recorded on September 16, 2016.


USCourts: Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor Remarks on Constitution Day 2016

The nation celebrated Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 16, 2016. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor delivered congratulatory remarks to those naturalized at Ellis Island. Her message was webcast by the U.S. Courts as part of their coverage of ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial and Ellis Island, which were hosted by the National Park Service and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Associate Justice Sotomayor discussed the U.S. Constitution, her family's migration from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, the challenges of becoming U.S. citizens, and the rewards and responsibilities that come with citizenship, including voting, volunteering, and jury duty. She urged the new citizens to embrace the American culture, but not abandon their native cultures, as diversity is America's greatest strength.