LINN — U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps Jr. presided Friday over a naturalization ceremony, held at the Osage County Community Center on the State Tech campus, during which 83 new citizens from 38 countries were sworn in. 

“This journey that each of you are on is a testament to your patriotism and to your honor,” Epps stated in his opening remarks. “This nation is grateful for your willingness to join us in what I call our experiment in democracy, that gets tested time and time again. I cannot wait for each of you to become U.S. citizens in the coming moments.”

Boy Scout Troop 17 and Cub Scout Pack 17, from Linn, posted the colors, after which Zoe Rehagen, from the Osage Angels, sang “America the Beautiful.”

David Moore, of Citizen and Immigration Services, listed all 38 countries the applicants were from, and incoming citizens stood when their country of origin was called.

Eighty-three applicants took the oath of allegiance, administered by U.S. District Court deputy Clerk Melissa Warren, and became citizens of the United States.

“To my fellow Americans,” Epps emphasized, to resounding applause, “this country just became a better place in which to live. Our nation just got stronger and more diverse. It is a true honor to be among the first to congratulate you taking the oath of allegiance.”

The ceremony concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Rehagen sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and the Boy Scouts retired the colors.

Both passport and voter registration booths were set up for new citizens to begin their application processes.

After the ceremony, the judge stayed for over an hour to allow the jubilant new citizens to have their picture taken with him, if desired. He made brief but gregarious small talk with each one, offering congratulations, asking about their country of origin, and complimenting patriotic apparel, until the last beaming citizen departed.