157 become citizens at Garden of the Gods

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 31, 2005 by ANDREA BROWN THE GAZETTE

Milica Perisic had a hard time containing her excitement -- and the big butterfly balloon -- for her daughter, Danijela.

"It is a symbol of freedom," the Bosnian mother said. "She can fly anywhere she wants to go."

The balloon complemented the certificate her 23-year-old daughter received Tuesday in a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ceremony at Garden of the Gods.

Danijela, who left war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina seven years ago, was among 157 people from 57 nations sworn in as U.S. citizens.

"I'm an American now," Danijela said. "I got my rights."

She was the first in her family to attain U.S. citizenship.

"I hope I will be next," her mother said.

"I hope the balloon will fit in my car," Danijela said.

People of diverse color, custom and costume took the oath under blue skies and against the backdrop of majestic red rocks.

A ceremony with music, speeches and applause recognized years of toil for the many who came to this country for love, education and opportunity.

Relatives, friends and colleagues surrounded the new citizens with cameras, flowers and hugs.

But the festive event was also marked by sadness for a young Marine awarded citizenship posthumously.

Lance Cpl. Evenor Cristopher Herrera, 22, was killed by a bomb in Iraq on Aug. 10, two weeks before the Honduran-born Marine's second tour was to end.

It was the first posthumous naturalization in recent Colorado history, the immigration agency said.

The certificate was given to his mother and stepfather, Blanca and David Stibbs of Avon.

"I'm so happy and proud -- and sad," said the mother, whose other son also is a Marine.

David Stibbs said his stepson wanted to fight.

"He wanted to be a machinegunner. He was the best shot," Stibbs said. "He understood the system that we go by in the United States, and he wanted to defend it."

After the ceremony, Fort Carson Command Sgt. Maj. Terrance McWilliams gave the Marine's mother a commander's coin of excellence, a symbolic Army award normally given to a soldier for a great deed, he said.

Thirty-five military members re- ceived citizenship, which is expedited for those serving in the armed forces.

The standard citizenship process includes an application, fingerprinting, interview and knowledge of basic U.S. history, civics and English.

It can take less than a year, but some people aren't in a hurry.

Outi Knoff went to South Dakota from Finland for college in 1965 and married an American. But she wasn't a bona fide American until Tuesday.

"It was time, don't you think?" said the 58-year-old.

She had reasons for waiting 40 years.

"When my parents were alive, they wanted me to stay Finnish. Finns are very nationalistic," she said.

"In certain ways, I'm almost more American now than Finnish, but Finland will always be my home."

Family members joined the celebration.

"It is special for my children to be able to see her become a citizen," said Knoff's daughter, Sari Grant.

"They learn a lot from her about their Finnish heritage. This brings it all together."

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0253 or abrown@gazette.com