CAS3
09-25-03, 01:46 PM
Micronesian Soldier Wounded in Iraq Becomes U.S. Citizen
WASHINGTON (Sept. 17, 2003) - Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony J. Principi
took part in a special ceremony today making Army Specialist Hilario
Bermanis of the 82nd Airborne Division a U.S. citizen.
"This young soldier serves as a true example of sacrifice to a nation that
today he can call his own,'' Principi said. "He gave of himself so that
others could have a better tomorrow. The Department of Veterans Affairs
will be there for Specialist Bermanis and thousands of other brave men and
women returning home from harm's way."
Bermanis lost both legs and his left hand during an attack on June 10 in
Baghdad while he and a fellow soldier, who was killed instantly, were
guarding a weapons turn-in point. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his
conduct in action and a Purple Heart for his injuries.
A citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, Bermanis enlisted in the
Army three years ago. Today, his parents and five-year-old brother
witnessed the oath ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center along with
Secretary Principi; Secretary Tom Ridge of the Department of Homeland
Defense; and Peter M. Christian, speaker of the Micronesian Congress. Maj.
Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, Walter Reed commander, also attended.
On July 3, 2002, President Bush issued Executive Order 13269 providing
naturalization for aliens and non-citizen nationals serving on active duty
in the U.S. armed forces during Operation Enduring Freedom, from September
11, 2001, to a date not yet determined.
September 17 was designated Citizenship Day in 1952 by President Harry
Truman. The anniversary was established to focus on the rights and
responsibilities of U.S. citizens, both native-born and naturalized.
WASHINGTON (Sept. 17, 2003) - Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony J. Principi
took part in a special ceremony today making Army Specialist Hilario
Bermanis of the 82nd Airborne Division a U.S. citizen.
"This young soldier serves as a true example of sacrifice to a nation that
today he can call his own,'' Principi said. "He gave of himself so that
others could have a better tomorrow. The Department of Veterans Affairs
will be there for Specialist Bermanis and thousands of other brave men and
women returning home from harm's way."
Bermanis lost both legs and his left hand during an attack on June 10 in
Baghdad while he and a fellow soldier, who was killed instantly, were
guarding a weapons turn-in point. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his
conduct in action and a Purple Heart for his injuries.
A citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, Bermanis enlisted in the
Army three years ago. Today, his parents and five-year-old brother
witnessed the oath ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center along with
Secretary Principi; Secretary Tom Ridge of the Department of Homeland
Defense; and Peter M. Christian, speaker of the Micronesian Congress. Maj.
Gen. Kevin C. Kiley, Walter Reed commander, also attended.
On July 3, 2002, President Bush issued Executive Order 13269 providing
naturalization for aliens and non-citizen nationals serving on active duty
in the U.S. armed forces during Operation Enduring Freedom, from September
11, 2001, to a date not yet determined.
September 17 was designated Citizenship Day in 1952 by President Harry
Truman. The anniversary was established to focus on the rights and
responsibilities of U.S. citizens, both native-born and naturalized.