Thousands of new citizens take oath in Boston

By Hilary Russ
ASSOCIATED PRESS

12:19 a.m. September 18, 2008

BOSTON – It was held at the home of Red Sox Nation, but the thousands gathered in the seats were there to swear allegiance to an even larger and more powerful nation.

The Oath of Citizenship was taken at Fenway Park by 3,082 immigrants Wednesday as they became the country's newest Americans.

It was the first ever naturalization ceremony at the home of the Green Monster and the World Champion Boston Red Sox, who were in Florida to play the Tampa Bay Rays.

Flanked by the Red Sox's two recent World Championship trophies, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino welcomed the immigrants to their new country. “You all came here because you wanted hope and promises for a better future,â€