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Show things, to numerous to mention. From the moment I arrived in America I had that wonderful home-coming feeling although I did not know anyone here. This was later strengthened into a contentment and a gladness that I had come, brought about "by the hospitality of the people, their simplicity of living and goodness of heart. To be here now will mean a lot of chances and new ideas for me. The climate here at present is wonderful. Where I lived in Germany there was not so much snow, so, you see that is why I appreciate this winter weather. I am thankful for all the friends I have made here. They have been very good to me. One does not know the lonesome feeling a person has while immigrating over here to America alone, and so many dear friends are certainly appreciated. Second prise, Simon Simonsen, a native of Denmark who came to this country in 1920: There is many good reason why, but I will just mention three: First - religion. It gives me the right to serve the Lord the way I believe and understand. Second - opportunity. There is a bigger opportunity open to me to own my own home, and to earn enough money to support my family, and give to them what they are in need of, and will gift me more protection than any other government in the world. Third - education. America with its splendid schools and educational institutions will give to my children a better and higher education than they would have got if I had stayed back home. The advanced class - first prize, Frank DeYoung a native of Holland who came to this country in 1910: The question is asked: Why do you want to become an American citizen? This question is of much importance, for to become a citizen of this country I must break allegiance with the land where I was born. Yet I believe it my duty and the duty of every person who comes to this country to make it their home to become a citizen of this country. There are many reasons for this, and we should give this a careful consideration, many times we hear of the greatness of our home countries where we were born, many times I have thought about the difference between this nation and our European nations. Most of these nations are ruled by Kings or potentates. The legislative bodies of these nations are not always elected by the people. This is a reason why the laws of some of these nations are not on an equal basis. In many of our European nations the common people have very few rights. This is different with the government of the United States. This is a country ruled by the people. When we read the Declaration of Independence which is the first governmental expression of the rights to life, liberty and to the pursuit of happiness. The principles express the deepest hopes of mankind. For these principles we have come to the United states. For these principles the American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I think when we read the history of the United States and realize the hardships and the sacrifices these people went through our hearts grow warm with gratitude. These men understood why they made those sacrifices. They were guided by a devine power. They were able to choose some of the wisest men of America to make the constitution of the United States. They met with some of the greatest difficulties of that time, and still they brought forth one of the greatest things that the human mind can produce. The constitution of the United States is the fundamental basis and the groundwork of this country, it rives us the right to life, liberty and happiness and after going over this Constitution and we study the laws carefully, we come to an understanding of these laws, then I think duty calls us more than ever. We have found the laws to be truth, we have found freedom and happiness in a greater extent then we did in our native lands, for we are protected as those born here. We are taxed the same. It is not required of us to |
