This week, we are celebrating another one of my employees who became a U.S. citizen. I commend him for taking the steps to naturalization and committing to not only living here but making this country his own.
Understanding Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship
The U.S. Government has an online download called 10 Steps to Naturalization. Step 10, Understanding U.S. Citizenship, covers an individual’s rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen:
Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. Below is a list of some of the most important rights and responsibilities that all citizens—both Americans by birth and by choice—should exercise, honor, and respect. Some of these rights and responsibilities also apply to noncitizens in the United States as well. While some of these responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, all are important to ensure the continued vitality of our country and democracy.
Rights
- Freedom to express yourself.
- Freedom to worship as you wish.
- Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
- Right to vote in elections for public officials.
- Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
- Right to run for elected office.
Responsibilities
- Support and defend the U.S. Constitution.
- Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
- Participate in the democratic process.
- Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
- Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
- Participate in your local community.
- Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
- Serve on a jury when called upon.
- Serve the country as needed.
Praying for Our Nation
Set aside since 1952, the first Thursday of May allows individuals to practice two of our rights in the United States: freedom to worship as you wish and freedom to express yourself. Under President Harry S. Truman, the National Day of Prayer was created to invite people to pray for our nation one day of the year other than their designated day of weekend worship, typically a Saturday or Sunday. Our blog is going out a day early, on Wednesday, this week to give you an opportunity to visit the National Day of Prayer Website for a list of events and ways you can get involved or, if too short of notice this year, be able to plan accordingly for next.
The seven areas of prayer focused on during the National Day of Prayer are Education, Church, Media, Government, Business, Military, and Families. The theme this year is Lift Up the Word—Light Up the World. The scripture verse is 2 Samuel 22:29–31:
For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.
Importance of Civic Engagement for Construction Professionals
You may or may not know that each state has seven volunteer positions within their respective state that any U.S. Citizen can apply for. Gwen Bradley is the National Area Leader over the Southeast Region, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Florida’s State Coordinator is Dr. Maria Negron, and our Florida State 2024 Governor’s Proclamation can be read here.
America was founded as a Christian nation and a nation where the power of prayer has brought us through warfare of all kinds and drawn people of all nations together to rebuild in times of tragedy, such as the tornadoes that ravaged the Midwest this past week.
This year, I will be participating in my local church service at noon and representing Business in a time of prayer with others from the community. Will you pray for me as I pray for you and your businesses and places of employment?
Upholding Constitutional Values in Construction Management
The National Day of Prayer website reminds us that,
Today’s business leaders hold a great deal of sway in our society. America has long celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of men and women who have launched innovative and successful companies. In generations past, honest and generous CEOs were rewarded with loyal employees, customers, and clients. In recent years, however, greater numbers of large corporations are becoming characterized by deception, greed, and even fraudulent activity.
In this climate, executives with strong ethics are especially deserving of our recognition and patronage. A great way to encourage such business leaders is to support Marketplace Chaplains USA, a group that positions chaplains in companies across the country. Also, continue praying that God will provide corporate America with business leaders who are committed to conducting themselves honorably.
If you can’t make it to a local event, you might take time to read the 2024 National Prayer. Throughout the year, one of my favorite books to pray for your and my businesses is 31 Decrees of Blessings for Your Work Life.
One of the responsibilities of becoming a U.S. citizen is to participate in your local community. I can’t think of a better way to do that this week than to attend a community prayer event this Thursday.
To God’s Continued Favor Over Our Nation and Your Place of Work,
Suzanne Breistol
