They came from countries around the globe, including Brazil, Guatemala, Iraq, Mexico, Syria, Cuba, Italy, and Haiti, some clutching a small American flag, while others had them tucked into their breast pockets.

Forty people were sworn in as American citizens by U.S. District Court Judge Jack Zouhary during a naturalization ceremony at the Toledo Club on Wednesday.

“It’s a great country,” Sabine Elke Jeschonnek said after being sworn in. Originally from Germany, she has been in this country since 1997.

“It’s been a long time. I wanted to become a U.S. citizen so I could belong a little more and be able to vote. That was important to me. There’s also a lot of good opportunities for me as a scientist,” said Ms. Jeschonnek, a professor of physics at Ohio State University in Lima.

Edin Aldana, originally from Guatemala, has been in the United States for 41 years.

“I came here as a teenager, and it’s been a beautiful experience,” Mr. Aldana said. “I know its values. This is a rich country, and I came from a very poor country. The U.S. offers a better life. We still have to fight for what we want, but the U.S. gives us the opportunity to have a better life for the future.”

Claudio San Juan, originally from Mexico, was 17 years old when he came to this country 23 years ago.

He wanted to become a citizen simply because “I love this country.”

“I love freedom and justice for all,” he said. “I love the Constitution and what it stands for. I got married here, have three children, and want to be a citizen like they are.”

Basheer Al Zuraiji from Iraq, who was in the United States for 11 years before becoming a citizen, was grinning following the ceremony.

“It’s amazing,” he said. The primary reason he came to this country is because of the safety it provides to him and his family.

“I like that,” Mr. Al Zuraiji said.

Nina Darahakupets, originally from Belarus, has been here for 13 years. She became a citizen because of the freedom it has afforded her. Her family also lives here.

“I like the Constitution. There’s a lot more freedom here,” she said.

Michael Gomes, originally from Bangladesh, has been in this country for more than 14 years. He came here as a student.

“I wanted to achieve all the opportunities that are available. It’s a journey. I’m privileged to have a family, my wife, and two children. I’m very grateful for everything this country has given me,” Mr. Gomes said.

Judge Zouhary said President John F. Kennedy described the United States as “a nation of people with the fresh memories of old traditions who dared to explore new frontiers, people eager to build lives for themselves and society.”

President Kennedy reminded every American, old and new, that change is the essence of life, he said. “American society is a process, not a conclusion. And that process continues today. It’s your choice to become an American citizen.”

He quoted a famous passage from President Kennedy’s inaugural address, which is considered a challenge to Americans to contribute to the common good: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Michael Lyman, general manager of the Toledo Club, welcomed the new citizens to “the land of freedom and equality for all.”

“We have a tapestry of cultures. The U.S. was built on the strength of its diversity of people. As a new citizen, you become an integral part of our rich cultural mosaic,” Mr. Lyman said.

“Your voice matters, whether by voting, community involvement, or simply by living out the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality,” Mr. Lyman said. “By becoming a part of this vibrant nation, you join a history of innovation, progress, and resilience.”

Barnabus Kiprotich, originally from Kenya, was the guest speaker. He became a U.S. citizen last year.

“Take it seriously, participate in your community, and do all things American,” Mr. Kiprotich said. “Most importantly, just enjoy it.”

In the lobby area of the Toledo Club, the League of Women Voters had a table set up to register the new citizens.

The Pride of Toledo chorus sang “America the Beautiful” earlier in the ceremony, then hummed the melody while the new citizens stood in line before Judge Zouhary to get their certificates of citizenship.

First Published February 19, 2025, 9:54 p.m.