KENNEBUNK — Fifty-five immigrants recited the Oath of Allegiance in the gym of Middle School of the Kennebunks on Friday morning, as they became the newest naturalized citizens of the United States.

The newly-naturalized citizens, who immigrated from 28 countries the world over, were welcomed by Stephen Johnson, immigration services officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Portland field office. 

“For each of you the journey to America was unique. Some of you came to join members of your family, others of you sought education opportunities, some of you at great personal risk sought relief from hardship in your countries,” Johnson said before the packed middle school gymnasium. “I encourage you to use your talents to be active citizens and give back to your communities … you will carry on your nation’s proud heritage as a nation of immigrants.”

For Abdi Eguh, 60, who came to the U.S. from Djibouti in 2009 for political reasons, Friday’s ceremony was the end of a long, arduous naturalization process that lasted about 1 1/2 years.

“It feels great,” he said before the ceremony began.

His two daughters, who came from Djibouti in 2011 and have already become U.S. citizens — and who asked their names be withheld — said it was a gratifying moment to see their father follow in their footsteps.

“We’re proud of him … it’s a very long process, and it’s exhausting to reach the final point,” they said. “It’s relieving to end it.”

But although some said the process was complicated — and the road sometimes bumpy — others didn’t mind the work.

Shakwat Bhuiwan, 36, of Bangladesh said the process, though long, wasn’t difficult and he was happy to see the the fruits of his labor.

“I’m coming for tradition: my brother is here, my family is here,” he said. “I’m so excited. It’s awesome. I’m happy my family is here, that me and my kids are citizens.

“I’m happy,” said Bhuiwan, who now lives with his family in Old Orchard Beach.

The event was not only a celebration of heritage, but a reminder about what it means to truly be an American.

“Being American is not about one’s religion, the color of one’s skin or the place of one’s birth,” said Johnson. “Rather, citizenship speaks to a character as a country to go beyond differences by giving us equal rights and responsibilities.”

Regional School Unit 21 Superintendent Katie Hawes agreed.

“It’s important for our students to see what it takes to become a United States citizen and to understand this kind of ceremony is reflective of our values as a school, in terms of being welcoming and accepting and really celebrating global-mindedness and international relations,” Hawes said following the event. 

Hawes said she hopes the school will be able to host a naturalization ceremony every three years — Friday’s was its third such ceremony — in hopes all students going through the district have the chance to witness it at least once.

Bonita “Bonnie” Pothier, regional representative for Maine Senator Angus King, an Independent, gave the ceremony’s keynote address, reflecting on what it means to be a nation made up of immigrants.

Herself a second-generation Franco-American, Pothier introduced herself first in French before addressing the crowd.

“Make no mistake, it is not an easy road,” to becoming a citizen, she said. “My grandparents are gone, now. My parents are gone, now, but I and my five brothers and sisters remain … all of us hopefully contributing to our communities and being now part of the fabric of this country.”

Pothier spoke about respect, saying it is the responsibility of all Americans to extend it to those from away simply because all are human. She said this is true even in light of political rhetoric that may state otherwise.

“Sometimes the words we hear don’t always match that profound core of who we are as Americans, but that core is unshakeable,” she said. “We are here to thank you for choosing to come here; thank you for having faith in us as Americans despite our foils, our mistakes.”

Sen. King welcomed the new citizens by way of a pre-recorded video message.

“You mean so much to us — virtually all of us were in your shoes at one time or another,” he said. “Welcome to America. We’re glad to have you.”

Pothier said the same.

“You add traditions, color, culture, language and food — and, in my lifetime, food has been the great unifier,” she said with a laugh. “We have a much richer fabric of a community having you here with us.”

— Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or abennett@journaltribune.com.