THE DRED SCOTT HERITAGE FOUNDATION

NATURALIZATION CEREMONY IN THE ST. LOUIS OLD COURTHOUSE

On July 3, 2007, 65 people became citizens of the United States of America in the rotunda turned courtroom at the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, site of the original trials in the Dred Scott Case. Presiding was The Honorable Henry E. Autrey, United States District Judge, Eastern District of Missouri. The guest speaker was Lynne M. Jackson, great-great granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott, founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation and General Services Manager at Bryan Cave LLP.

Stephen S. Davis, Assistant U.S. Attorney, introduced each candidate for citizenship and made the motion. Judge Autrey ruled on the motion and Jeanne Pattrin, Deputy Clerk, administered the oath and led in the pledge of allegiance.

Soloist Mary Collins, R.N. from TFE Federal Employee Heath Unit sang God Bless America and the National Anthem. Boy Scouts of America Troop 685, St. Gerard Majella performed the duties of Color Guard.

Ms. Jackson commended the new citizens for their commitment to become legitimate citizens and going through the process. She invited them to partake in the system and be a part of that which makes America good.

There were many happy and excited people that day as approximately 200 people gather to witness the oath and presentation of citizenship bestowed by Judge Autrey. Individuals from 36 countries participated in this ceremony held on the eve of Independence Day and during the year of the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. The new citizens did not know Ms. Jackson would be their speaker and many expressed that they found this to be an added delight to their already exciting day.