Eleven new U.S. citizens took the oath in a quintessential American setting, according to an announcement from the departing congressman.
Congressman Sam Farr, D-Carmel, swore in those residents at Pinnacles National Park on Oct. 18.
Farr each year conducts an oath for new citizens in his district, which covers San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. Farr is retiring after his term ends this year following a 23-year congressional run.
Eleven people were expected to take the oath to become America’s newest citizens at this special naturalization ceremony, held at America’s newest National Park during the National Park Service’s Centennial. Also attending the ceremony were approximately 25 high school students from Santa Cruz and their parents, and singers from Hartnell College performed patriotic songs.
Farr authored legislation that was enacted in 2013 to elevate Pinnacles National Monument to Pinnacles National Park. There are more than 400 national park sites across the nation, but only 59 are designated as National Parks. As America’s newest National Park, Pinnacles is helping to drive economic growth through expanded tourism to the region.
