U.S. President Barack Obama salutes Sgt. Ledum Ndaanee, recipient of the Outstanding American by Choice Recognition award, following a ceremony for the administration of a military naturalization oath in the Rose Garden of the White House April 23, 2010 in Washington, DC. Obama also delivered remarks touching on immigration issues following the ceremony.
Barack Obama on Nigerian born US Marine - Ledum Ndaanee
"Growing up in Nigeria, Ledum probably never imagined he’d be standing on this stage today. Neither did I. But thanks to the generosity of churches in Virginia, he and his parents found a home in the United States. And Ledum, who says 'I always wanted to be in the military,' found his calling in the United States Marine Corps. He deployed to Iraq, and was serving his second tour when his unit was struck by an improvised explosive device. In the weeks and months that followed, he battled to recover from traumatic brain injury. At a VA medical center, with his parents at his side, he was presented a Purple Heart. And a few moments later, he was sworn in as an American citizen. This Marine was not only determined to recover, he was determined to help others. He has been a leader and mentor to his fellow wounded warriors. In fact, I hear he’s quite an athlete. So for his distinguished service to the country, and for inspiring us all with his example of what citizenship truly means, I am proud to join the US Citizenship and Immigration Services in presenting this recognition - the Outstanding American by Choice award- to Sergeant Ledum Ndaanee.”
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Great stuff...
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