Grand Teton National Park hosts naturalization ceremony

As part of the National Park Service centennial anniversary, 17 new United States citizens were sworn in during a naturalization ceremony at Grand Teton National Park Thursday.

Chief United States Magistrate Judge Kelly H. Rankin presided over the ceremony at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.

“National parks aren’t just about scenic beauty, but they represent sites of conscience, sites of commemoration, these sites are the storybook of America,” Acting Deputy Superintendent Vickie Mates told the new citizens. “As you contemplate what it means to be an American citizen and these places that you now own, I would ask you to also play a role in protecting them and preserving them. Get out and explore.”

The 17 naturalized citizens originate from 11 countries including Brazil, Canada, China, Iran, Italy, Guatemala, Mexico, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand and the Philippines. Each of them left the ceremony with a passport to their national parks courtesy of the Grand Teton Association.