Celebrating U.S. Citizenship in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 4, 2009 — -- Vice President Joe Biden couldn't help himself. The irony was striking.

This Fourth of July the biggest naturalization ceremony ever of U.S. service members was hosted at one of Saddam Hussein's most opulent palaces. Biden said after the event, "We did it in Saddam's Palace, and I can think of nothing better. That S.O.B. is rolling over in his grave right now."

Celebrating tonight were 237 service members from 59 countries who took the oath. One of the happiest appeared to Jesus Moran-Alvarez of Santa Maria, Calif., who shook hands with Biden and Commanding General Ray Odierno.

"Vice President, was not expecting that. Four-star General, wow," said the 30-year-old Army specialist. "I'm a U.S. citizen. I'm proud as heck to say so," he added.

Moran-Alvarez and others flew to the massive Camp Victory near Baghdad's airport knowing they would take the oath, but few knew the vice president would be attending. All this on the Fourth of July made for a special occasion.

"In a sense, it's our independence. We can finally do what we are here to do. We can fight for our country. We can vote," says Mexico-born Moran-Alvarez. "It's amazing. It's a big, big privilege."

Biden started his speech with a simple statement that drew applause.

"You know as corny as it sounds, damn I'm proud to be an American. It's a wonderful thing," he said in the massive Al Faw Palace, which still has Saddam Hussein's initials carved in the ceiling. "I can't think of a more stirring example of patriotism than men and women volunteering to fight for their country, before, before they are citizens," said the vice president, who seemed impressed by the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen before him.

"You've struggled for us. You've bled for us. Your brothers and sisters have died for us. Even before you took the oath you were Americans," he said nearing the end of a two-day visit here.

Specialist Lua Mose proudly held the flag and certificate she was presented after taking the oath. She arrived in the U.S. from American Samoa at the age of 4.