w w w.BERKSBAR.org Berks Bar Welcomes New Citizens N aturalization ceremonies in Berks County are typically filled with pomp and circumstance. The courtroom gallery is usually overflowing with friends and family members of those taking their final step on the path to U.S. citizenship. Musical performances and special keynote speeches lift everyone's spirits. And our newest neighbors beam with pride as they pose for photos with the Berks County judge presiding over the ceremony. But this is 2020. And just like every other large event planned, the naturalization ceremonies organized by the Berks County Bar Association have been forced to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions. The ceremony planned for April was canceled due to Pennsylvania's stay-at-home mandate as COVID-19 infections skyrocketed. That created some urgency for holding a ceremony on July 15 to allow those who had been waiting patiently to complete the citizenship process. "In addition to celebrating the hard work of some of the most patriotic people you'll ever find in our community, naturalization ceremonies are a critical public service provided by the Bar Association," said Bar Association Executive Director Kori Walter. "Canceling yet another naturalization ceremony would With masks and social distancing, 21 new citizens from 10 different countries take the oath of citizenship. 10 | Berks Barristerhttp://www.berksbar.org