Partner Sheldon Zenner helped lead a naturalization ceremony held May 31 at Guaranteed Rate Field (a/k/a Sox Park), held immediately after the singing of the national anthem.
Sheldon, whose parents immigrated to the United States and became naturalized citizens, presented the motion to Senior US District Judge Marvin Aspen, who stood at home plate donning a White Sox cap while presiding over the swearing in. The 24 new citizens from 17 countries waved American flags while supporters and fans cheered.
"Each of you has been found to be a person of good moral character and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States," Sheldon said to the group.
Sheldon, who choked up when he spoke about his parents to NBC-5, said the ceremony went off beautifully and noted that the Sox, a longtime client, were gracious hosts.
Sheldon arranged for the pre-game ceremony, which are typically held in federal courtrooms. This is the first group to take the citizenship oath at Guaranteed Rate Field.
"My parents came over to this country to escape oppression and it was one of the proudest days of my life when my parents were sworn in as US citizens," Sheldon told NBC-5 during a live broadcast.
"Sox host naturalization ceremony," MLB.com, May 31, 2023
"New U.S. citizens sworn in at first naturalization ceremony at White Sox park," Chicago Sun-Times, May 31, 2023
"Guaranteed Rate Hosts A Naturalization Ceremony for 1st Time," NBC-5 Chicago, May 31, 2023
"Guaranteed Rate Field hosting first naturalization ceremony," CBS Chicago, May 31, 2023
"White Sox welcome new citizens during naturalization ceremony," Fox 32 News Chicago, May 31, 2023
"Realizan ceremonia de naturalización por primera vez en el Guaranteed Rate Field," WSNS, Telemnundo, Chicago, May 31, 2023
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