Sabini honors new U.S. citizens

Laura Ruiz, 77, came to the United States from Ecuador 37 years ago, and now she enjoys her life in Jackson Heights, but there was something missing until earlier this week.
Ruiz was one of 50 senior citizens who recently became naturalized U.S. citizens that State Senator John Sabini honored recently at the Jackson Heights Senior Center.
“I love this country so much,” Ruiz said after she teared up while the National Anthem and God Bless America played at the center.
Sabini presented the 50 newly naturalized U.S. citizens with American flags and copies of the U.S. Constitution.
“We all know of young people coming to the United States and looking to become citizens, but here is a group of dedicated and longtime new Americans who say it’s never too late to codify their commitment to this country by embracing the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship,” Sabini said. “On the occasion of Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, I’m proud to honor these patriotic men and women.”
Citizenship Day, which has been celebrated every September 17 since 1952, commemorates the day that the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Constitution Week, declared in 1956 to expand awareness of the important document, is observed every Sept. 17-23.
“This is a fantastic day,” said Guillermo Figueroa, 77, who came to the U.S. from Colombia in 1966 and currently resides in Woodside. “It’s a very exciting time for me.”