Rosemary Chalmers, KSCO radio’s host of “Good Morning Monterey Bay” officially renounced her allegiance to the United Kingdom and became a citizen of the United States on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
The private naturalization ceremony took place at Chalmers’ Ben Lomond home where friends, neighbors, and colleagues joined her while she took the Oath of Allegiance.
The Oath was followed by a celebration accompanied with apple pie and “The Star Spangled Banner” being sung in Chalmers’ honor. Neighbor and friend, Thomas Matthews, recited a piece of literature written for the special occasion.
“This is like the top of the cake, it is a delightful day and I just had no idea how meaningful it would be,” Chalmers said. “… I am thrilled to be a citizen of America.”
Originally from the city of Bristol in the United Kingdom, Chalmers arrived in the United States nearly 30 years ago after she had been living abroad in the Middle East.
Being able to vote was the primary reason for becoming an American citizen, she said. She intends to help bring about some change concerning the fate of the Valley’s water.
“I am going to vote this November, I have a particular interest in the voting for San Lorenzo Water District,” Chalmers said. “It’s a local issue and one person makes a difference, and I am that person, and I am going to make a difference.”
She said that being a citizen of the United States means that she is protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution and is no longer subjected under the British Monarchy.
“I love the First Amendment, that is the most important thing to me as a broadcaster and entertainer,” Chalmers said. “I am given the freedom to say and do whatever I like every morning for three hours, nobody pushes my buttons, nobody tells me what to say, I can say what I like, and that is to me that most wonderful thing.”
She said that she began the process of citizenship and naturalization in January of this year.
The process was slow at first, but U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo 18th District moved things along by helping Chalmers get voter registration in time for this upcoming election. She said that she feels very patriotic with her new voting privileges and looks forward to serving on a jury as well, she said.
“This has given me a great deal of thought about the process of being civil-minded and engaging in my community,” Chalmers said, “and I think its very important not only for a new citizen — but for other citizens, too — to think about what it means to be an American and what it means to be engaged in your local community.”
