16 Become Citizens At Hearing Held By Three Circuit Judges

Adopted Children Naturalized

Judge James R. Breakey Jr. congratulates Cecilia Oi-Chan Hooper and Jeanne D’Arc Hooper (with flags), both 9, after they became naturalized citizens yesterday, as the other five Hooper children look on. From left to right the children are Gwen, 8; Cecilia, 9; Judy, 5; Paul, 11; Neal, 3; Jeanne, 9, and Vincent, 6. The two new Hooper citizens were born in Hong Kong and brought to this country at the age of two. They were formally adopted in 1962.

16 Become Citizens At Hearing Held By Three Circuit Judges

Sixteen local residents became United States citizens at a naturalization hearing before Judges James R. Breakey Jr., William F. Ager Jr., and John W. Conlin yesterday in Circuit Court.

After answering questions about themselves, which included pledging willingness to bear arms in behalf of the United States, the new citizens took the oath of allegiance. Judge Ager led them in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

They were welcomed by Judge Conlin, who said: “It is wonderful to know that these people want to become citizens. It makes us feel good to know that there are people who appreciate what the United States has to offer — I wonder if some of our native born appreciate it.”

Judge Breakey admonished the new citizens that they were "entering one of the most serious and important aspects of your life — that of a United States citizen.”

He emphasized the “new duties of American citizenship.” ‘One hears a lot about civil rights and people demanding their civil rights. It is important to remember that he who demands his civil rights, must carry out his civil duties and responsibilities.”

He also advised that “when people demand their civil rights, the first question to ask is how he or she has performed his duties as a citizen.”

He urged all citizens “to perform our duties and see to it that we examine citizenship carefully and inform ourselves in an election.” He also urged the new citizens to 'watch carefully what our elected officials do.” He noted that some people complain that “they” aren't doing things right, and said that “they” are our representatives because we put them there. “You and I get the kind of government we want,” said Breakey. “If citizens of Washtenaw County want it different, all they have to do is speak.”

Concluding his remarks, Judge Breakey said: “I am delighted to have you as American citizens.”

He also commended members of local women’s organizations who were on hand to provide information and refreshments for the new citizens. The League of Women Voters passed out information about government officials in the area, and the DAR provided lunch in the hall outside the court following the ceremonies.

The youngest among the new citizens are the nine-year-old adopted daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Hooper of 2420 N. Circle Dr. Both Cecilia Oi-Chan Hooper and Jeanne D Arc Hooper were born in Hong Kong and were brought to this country at the age of two.

Former Canadians among the naturalized persons include Mr. and Mrs. Evan Benjamin Wylie of 717 Dartmoor, Austin A. Reddy of 324 E. Catherine and Mrs. Lise M. Schwind of 1011 Fountain.

Giving up German citizenship ( for American were Miss Gudrun Wagner of 2031 Suffolk, . Mrs. Ingeborg Roncoli of 1610 South Blvd., and Mrs. Christine Pack of 1444 Wendell, Ypsilanti.

Others naturalized included William J. Robb of 307 Pleasant Ridge, Saline, Great Britain (Scotland); Subhi M. Jassim of 2105, Pittsfield Township, Iraq; James Byung Chull Yu of 714 Pomona, Korea; Keshay S. Sanvordenker of 1535 Barrington, India; Samuel A. Bishar of 8672 Hemlock, Ypsilanti, Syria; Mrs. May Shou-Mei Chu of 2416 Dorchester, China, and John K. Hampshire of 1018 Woodbridge, Great Britain (England).