115 people become U.S. citizens

Ceremony held at Ribault High School

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 100 people from 59 countries were sworn in as American citizens on Thursday in a naturalization ceremony held at Jean Ribault High School in honor of Black History Month.

Montgomery Davis is one of the 115 people who took the Oath of Allegiance. Davis, originally from the Caribbean island of Nevis, has been in the United States since he was a teenager.

"I've always felt like an American because I came here at the age of 14, I've been living here for 55 years," Davis said.

He said while he hasn't been a citizen, he has had a good life in America, even serving in the U.S. Army and did a tour of duty in Vietnam.

"It has been a good life, I have no complaint," he said.

With his family by his side, Davis took the oath of allegiance, received his certificate and made his citizenship official.

"I'm happy for him," said Youlanda Davis, his wife. "Seeing that he served this country, and I think it's just the right thing to do."

Davis said it was always his intention to become a citizen, but as a green card holder and working full-time, it was a long process. But now that he is retired, he said will have lot of time to enjoy his new citizenship and one new right he's been looking forward to: voting.

Zebrina Bryant, who was born in Trinidad, also waved the American flag Thursday. She said it was one of the happiest days of her life.

"I know can serve the country, to do anything for America," Bryant said.

In fiscal year 2013, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services swore in 778,000 people.