Events such as the naturalization ceremony at the Middle School of the Kennebunks on March 28 are inspiring reminders of the value of U.S. citizenship, the benefits of which so many of us take for granted. 

Seventy-one people from 33 different countries took part in the ceremony to celebrate their acceptance as U.S. citizens. We’re glad MSK is continuing its tradition of hosting these ceremonies so schoolchildren can see how much it means to these people to earn something with which these local youth were born.

Immigration is a core component of the U.S. identity; this country is unique in that it was formed based on the concepts of individual liberty rather than on a particular ethnic group. With the exception of a small native population, this country is now made up mostly of immigrants whose families came from near and far to build new lives here with the promise of unprecedented freedoms. Some came as early as the 1600s, while others arrived only months ago, but all are immigrants. The iconic Statue of Liberty in New York’s harbor holds a plaque welcoming immigrants, and their contributions have been many in building and maintaining this country.

We’d like to welcome all of the newest citizens in Maine and applaud them for completing the process to become full members of this republic. As Sen. Angus King said during the ceremony, those who were naturalized on March 28 had a variety of different backgrounds and each their own reasons for seeking to become Americans. Some of them escaped war-torn countries and have seen atrocities many of us can only imagine in our nightmares. Others had family here who they sought to join, or simply saw promise in the opportunities that only a free, democratic, capitalist country can offer them.

For these new citizens, and for all of us who call ourselves American, ceremonies such as these are an ideal time to reflect on both the rights afforded to us as citizens and the responsibilities that go along with it.

As delineated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, citizenship includes these rights: to express yourself; to worship as you wish; to have a prompt, fair trial by jury; to vote in elections for public officials; to apply for federal employment; to run for elected office; and to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

It also comes with many responsibilities: to support and defend the Constitution, including military duty if needed; participate in the democratic process; respect and obey federal, state and local laws; respect the rights, beliefs and opinions of others; participate in your local community; pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state and local authorities; and serve on a jury when called upon, the USCIS notes. 

It’s most often these responsibilities, rather than our rights, that we tend to forget, whenever we say we’re “too busy” to vote or to educate ourselves about the issues of the day so we can make an informed decision. It’s not supposed to be a choice ”“ it’s a responsibility. Democracy can only work when the governed are educated and involved.

When we act like certain laws of the land don’t apply to us, when we disrespect the equal rights of others or when we purposefully avoid jury duty because we don’t want the hassle ”“ all of these instances show a disrespect for the responsibilities that our citizenship entails.

Freedom is not free, indeed, and the cost should not be born just by our servicemen and -women. Each and every one of us who claims U.S. citizenship should take pride in that designation, and, even as we enjoy the freedoms and privileges it allows us, should embrace the responsibilities, too. Seeing so many people right in our own state who have worked to earn these same rights that we take for granted is an important reminder that we all need to get involved and participate in our communities and in our country.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.