For most of us living here today, the rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship came with birth ”“ but many people, unfortunately, take them for granted. Most take little to no time to follow the politics of their town or state, let alone the nation, and some don’t even bother to vote when it comes time.

But with Election Day just three days away now, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what it means to be American, and a recent naturalization ceremony held in Biddeford has given us prime examples of why we should cherish our rights.

The ceremony was coordinated at Biddeford Middle School by teacher Elizabeth Long, who teaches English as a second language. Though her students are too young to pursue citizenship themselves, she’s always been interested in the process, so she put in the legwork to bring the ceremony right to her own school.

Last Friday, Oct. 26, 45 Maine residents, from 24 countries, took an oath swearing allegiance to this country during the naturalization ceremony at BMS.

We commend Long for her work to involve students in such an exciting and life-changing event, so they could see the celebratory culmination of the process of attaining full American citizenship. The road to the ceremony Friday included passing a civic and English language test and proving “good moral character.”

Particularly moving were the stories of a few of our newest citizens, such as that of Hassan Faraj, an Iraqi refugee who said he doesn’t “feel human” in his birth country after being persecuted. When he officially became an American last Friday, Faraj pronounced that day as his birthday, rather than the day he was actually born.

Those who feel complacent about their American citizenship should take some time to consider Faraj’s story, and the stories of  immigrants of other countries, many of whom have endured hardship. All of these people made a well-considered, adult choice to legally be recognized as a part of this country and renounce allegiance to their country of origin.

The uniqueness of America is that it is a land founded on principles rather than on a people. It is a place of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all, not exclusionary to any particular race or creed. This is still the land of opportunity, as these new citizens can attest, with a quality of life that makes people want to stay once they’re here.

How much greater would our country be if all citizens felt as engaged as those who have been newly minted? The enthusiasm of these new citizens should be a reminder to us all of how privileged we are to be Americans. Yes, we have a responsibility to uphold the Constitution and to serve our country in any way we can, but we also have the protections of that Constitution, and the freedoms of this land.

We’d like to personally welcome Faraj, his family, and all the others who were naturalized Friday to the ranks of U.S. citizens and remind him and others: Duty is calling this coming Tuesday for all U.S. citizens, new and old.