MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- SAN DIEGO -- Many Americans celebrated our nation's birth with barbecues and fireworks, but the holiday weekend gave 13 Southern California Marines a reason to celebrate more than just the Fourth of July.
It also marked the final step to their becoming American citizens. Their naturalization became official in a ceremony Saturday at PetCo Park before the San Diego Padres squared off against the San Francisco Giants.
Before being sworn in, the Marines, along with several other servicemembers, took their seats along the warning track down the first-base line. Their beaming smiles seemed to outshine the setting sun. For many, the ceremony marked the end of a painstaking process.
"(The naturalization) feels good," said Cpl. Enrique Moreno, who not only fought for America, but received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained last October in Fallujah. "It's something you work for. I'm proud to be an American and a Marine."
The new citizens weren't the only ones humbled by the occasion.
"What a feeling to be among these participants and soon-to-be citizens," Col. Dave Reist, chief of staff for the 1st Force Service Support Group, said before the swearing in.
Their decision to join the military and become citizens "speaks volumes" about their commitment to the country, he added.
The naturalization grants the Marines rights some Americans take for granted. For example, Sgt. Jose Zendejasmarquez, 28, will be "very happy to vote" when the next elections come around. Zendejasmarquez also may now serve on a jury.
Zendejasmarquez's story about becoming a Marine and then a U.S. citizen is fairly typical. He moved here from Guadalajara, Mexico, when he was 13 and left for boot camp on Aug. 22, 2000. Like many in the group, he has already served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He spent nine months in Iraq with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion.
He recently re-enlisted to serve another four years in the Corps.
"You feel like you've accomplished something (in the Marines)," he said.
Under an executive order signed by President George W. Bush during his first term, many U.S. military personnel are eligible for fast-track citizenship with fewer requirements -- and fewer costs -- than non-military applicants
Since October 2004, all fees are waived, and servicemembers can even start the process while stationed abroad at U.S. embassies, consulates and some military installations, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site.
Here, 30-40 applicants are coming forward daily on walk-in Thursdays at the Joint Legal Assistance Office, said Gena Moreno, a paralegal with JLAO. They save $3,000-$6,000 on attorneys fees by tapping military legal services and can obtain citizenship in six months -- or sooner if deployment looms, she said.
Once the servicemembers were sworn in as citizens, they lined the first- and third-base lines and stood tall while saluting during the national anthem.
Next, they exited the field to rousing applause -- then watched from luxury box seats as the Padres beat the Giants 5-3.