29 immigrants naturalized at Principal Park this Independence Day

DES MOINES, Iowa — On Independence Day, 29 immigrants from 19 countries had their naturalization ceremony at Principal Park before the Iowa Cubs played.

Randy Wehofer, the Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the Iowa Cubs, said that the ceremony reminds fans what the Fourth of July is about.

“It’s easy in the summertime to take for granted hearing the national anthem every day and trying to orchestrate all of the things that go around it. As the son of a veteran it’s a good reminder to hear all the reasons that we go through all of this, not just for hot dogs and fireworks and all the other things,” Wehofer said.

Shane McQuillan said that he was excited for the ceremony.

“You know it gives you more of a sense of belonging you know you come from another country. Americans, especially the Midwest, have been very welcoming. Its just that you know that final piece of like I’m a part of this place and want to do good in it you know. So that’s probably one of the biggest things for me that I’ve been thinking about” McQuillan said.

McQuillan also threw out the first pitch at Thursday night’s Iowa Cubs game.

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