A Living Democracy in Lowell
On Tuesday, September 16, at Boarding House Park in the heart of Lowell National Historical Park, dozens of people raised their hands and spoke the oath of allegiance to become Americans. The U.S. District Court, in partnership with the National Park Service, hosted the naturalization ceremony. The naturalization ceremony in Lowell was more than a milestone for the individuals on stage. It was a moving reminder that democracy is alive only when we, its citizens, keep it alive.
History Lessons from the Bench
The presiding judge framed the moment with history. He reminded us that a constitution, no matter how liberal or open, can only endure if people actively protect it. He pointed to countries such as Cuba, where constitutions once promised freedom but later gave way to dictatorship. His message was clear: words on paper are not enough.
He also reminded us that division is not new in the United States. It was present even in the 18th century. And he echoed the famous exchange attributed to Benjamin Franklin at the close of the Constitutional Convention. When asked what form of government we had, Franklin replied, “A republic — if you can keep it.”
Immigration at the Heart of Our Story
That responsibility is ours. Democracy depends on participation, care for one another, and everyday acts of citizens willing to protect and preserve it. Watching the ceremony in Lowell, that truth came vividly to life.
The group of new citizens was striking in its diversity. People with names, faces, and stories from every corner of the world stood together. They represented many cultures, ethnicities, and generations. One of the most moving moments came when an elderly woman, well into her late 80s or early 90s, slowly made her way forward to receive her certificate. Others helped her to the stage. Her presence was proof that it is never too late to belong and that the promise of citizenship is open to all.
For Lowell, a city whose history is defined by waves of immigrants including Irish mill workers, French Canadian families, Greek and Portuguese merchants, Cambodian refugees, Dominican neighbors, and many more, the scene felt both familiar and revolutionary. Immigration has always been the thread that renews our nation’s fabric. Today’s ceremony made clear that it remains at the heart of our republic’s future.
The Revolution Continues
The Revolution did not end at Lexington and Concord. It continues with every new citizen who joins the promise. It continues with every oath taken, every vote cast, and every voice lifted for the common good. Our democracy endures not because it was written, but because it is lived.
Revolutionary Valley’s Role in Welcoming All
At Revolutionary Valley, we carry this same spirit forward in our work. Just as citizenship is about belonging, so is place. Tourism and travel are not only about visiting landmarks. They are about being welcomed into communities, sharing stories, and seeing yourself as part of something larger.
The naturalization ceremony in Lowell was a powerful reminder that our region’s strength lies in its openness. By welcoming visitors from near and far, and by celebrating diverse histories and cultures, we honor the same spirit of inclusion and renewal that we saw on stage today.
